FROM   THE  LIBRARY  OF 
REV.   LOUIS    FITZGERALD    BENSON,  D.  D. 

BEQUEATHED    BY   HIM   TO 

THE   LIBRARY  OF 

PRINCETON  THEOLOGICAL  SEMINARY 


Section       I&D(d\ 

t         I 


*/ 


SACRED  LT$Pt  19  1933^ 


OR, 


jtypg  m\  gmnings  jiHlrMtewlr. 


JOHN  J.  MORRIS,  A.  M. 


PHILADELPHIA: 

KING   &  BA1RD,  PRINTERS,  9  SANSOM  ST. 

1852. 


Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1852,  by 

JOHX  J.  MORRIS, 

In  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  District  Court  of  the  Eastern  District 
of  Pennsylvania. 


PREFACE. 


Down  in  dim  valleys  may  the  traveller  trace, 
(In  musing  wonder  through  the  lonely  place,) 
Some  silent  stream,  the  glory  of  the  ground, 
"Where  nature's  beauties  flourish  all  around. 
His  eye  at  venture  wanders  o'er  the  scene, 
Regards  this  lily,  then  that  tuft  of  green, 
Returns  and  re-surveys,  and  wanders  still, 
From  bud  to  herbage,  and  from  tree  to  rill. 
But  see !  his  eye  has  caught  some  favorite  flower, 
Kindred  to  those,  which,  for  his  childhood's  bower 
His  gentle  parent  from  his  garden  drew, 
That  his  dear  child  might  his  affection  view ; 
Though  distant  be  the  traveller  from  that  home, 
His  soul  o'er  each  remembered  spot  doth  roam ) 
His  father's  counsels  and  his  mother's  kiss, 
Restore,  by  sweet  remembrance,  early  bliss, 
So,  if  some  Christian,  should,  though  faintly,  see, 
Saviour  of  sinners !  here  some  love  to  Thee, 
May  he  recall  thy  early  love,  and  feel 
A  kindred  pleasure  o'er  his  spirit  steal; 
"With  sweet  simplicity  review  those  days), 
When  hope  was  rapture,  and  rejoicing,  praise, 
And  through  our  Saviour,  (glory  here  be  given, 
Seek  with  new  joy  the  sapphire  walls  of  heaven. 

JOHN  J.  MORRIS. 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 

in  2012  with  funding  from 

Princeton  Theological  Seminary  Library 


http://archive.org/details/sacredOOmorr 


CONTENTS. 


Page 

The  Burying, 9 

The  Supreme  Authority  of  God, 13 

The  Home  of  the  Happy, 14 

Morning  Hymn, 15 

Waiting  for  the  Will  of  God, 16 

The  Village  Church, 17 

Epitaph, 18 

The  Treasures  laid  up  in  Heaven, 19 

Estrangement  from  the  Father's  Presence, 20 

The  Waters  of  Salvation, 21 

The  Light,  Faith  and  Love, 22 

Temptation  thwarting  our  plans  for  Holy  Living, 23 

Epitaph, 24 

"  His  Favor  is  as  Dew  upon  the  Grass," 24 

Man  a  Creature  Temporal,  God  a  Spirit  Eternal, 25 

The  Sabbath  Morning, 26 

Death  and  the  Grave, 27 

Persuasion  to  Repentance, 28 

Gratitude  for  Mercies  Unmerited 29 

Lines, 30 

Epitaph, 32 

The  Life  of  the  Christian  daily  more  Heavenly 32 

"The  Will  of  My  Father," 33 

Enmity  of  the  Sinner  to  Saving  Grace, 34 

"Into  Thine  Hand  I  Commit  my  Spirit," 35 

The  Name  of  Jesus  Exalted  in  Heaven, 36 


VI  CONTENTS. 

Page 

The  Sinner's  Wanderings, 37 

Epitaph, 38 

"Fear  God," 39 

The  Protection  of  God  over  His  People, 40 

The  Rashness  of  Impenitence, 41 

Christ's  Love  Unbounded, 42 

The  Church's  Power  and  Beauty, 43 

Jesus  the  Shepherd  of  His  People, 44 

Coming  to  the  Cross  of  Christ, 45 

The  Land  of  Blessedness, 46 

Lamenting  over  Departure  from  God, 47 

Christ's  Blood  the  Sinner's  Ransom, 48 

The  Majesty  of  Jehovah, 49 

Jesus  Requesting  the  Sinner's  Devotion, 50 

The  Day  of  Salvation, 51 

The  Soul  of  Eternal  Value, 52 

God's  Promises  Unaffected  by  the  Lapse  of  Ages, 53 

Faithfulness  to  the  Lord  our  Righteousness, 54 

"Love  Another," 55 

The  Care  of  Jesus  the  Protection  of  His  Church, 56 

God  the  Fountain  of  all  Proper  Pleasures, 57 

On  Recovery  from  Sickness, 58 

The  Family  Bible, 59 

Praise  from  the  Joys  of  Salvation, 60 

The  Compassion  of  Jesus, 61 

The  Raptures  of  Eternity, P2 

All  Things  are  to  God  Visible, 63 

Necessity  of  Seeking  God's  Love  Sincerely, 64 

The  Saint  Safe  'mid  every  Trial  and  Alarm, 65 

Christ  and  His  Honor  Precious  to  The  Father, 66 

Morning  Hymn, 67 

The  Love  of  Jesus  still  offered  to  the  Unthankful,....  68 

Epitaph, 69 

The  Rivulet, 69 

Tranquil  Departure, 70 


CONTENTS.  Vll 

Pa?e 

The  Sinner's  Estimation  of  his  Saviour's  Love, 71 

The  Perfection  of  God  known  in  His  Works, 72 

Forgiveness  in  Christ, 73 

Tranquility  Soothing  to  the  Religious  Spirit, 74 

"The  Lord  is  my  Shepherd," , 75 

Thanks  for  the  Redemption  Purchased  at  Calvary,...     76 

The  Soul  Awakened, 77 

Consecration  to  the  Service  of  God, 78 

Heaven  Free  from  Death  and  Sorrow, 79 

Faith, SO 

God's  Assurances  and  Promises, 82 

Forever,  83 

The  Splendors  of  Christ's  Kingdom, 84 

The  Waters  of  Salvation  Free  and  Inviting, 85 

Longing  for  the  Service  of  the  Sanctuary, ,...     86 

The  Great  Journey, 87 

The  Long  Suffering  Kindness  of  Jehovah, 88 

The  Preservation  of  the  Soul  through  Dangers, 89 

Faith  in  Exercise, , 90 

Submission  to  the  Will  of  Providence, 91 

God's  Faithfulness  a  Subject  of  Rejoicing, 92 

Lines  on  a  Lost  Loved  One, 93 

The  Weakness  of  Man's  Efforts, 94 

The  World  a  Wilderness  to  the  Heaven-Seeking, 95 

The  Prayers  of  God's  People  very  precious, 96 

Expectation  of  Peace  and  Glory  Beyond  the  Grave,     97 

Faith  a  Remedy  for  the  Soul  in  Affliction, 98 

The  Wrath  of  God  Removed  by  the  Blood  of  Jesus,     99 

The  Resurrection, 100 

Call  to  Repentance, 101 

Jesus,  Unfailing  Source  of  Strength  and  Comfort,....  102 
The  Present  Time  the  Proper  Time  for  Repentance,  103 
The  Kindness  of  God  Manifest  through  all  His  Pro- 
vidence,   104 

God,  the  Christian's  Glory, 105 


Vlll  CONTENTS. 

Pai?e 

Christ,  an  Ever-Present  Saviour, J06 

The  Church  a  Passage  to  Glory,." 107 

Jesus  the  Guide  and  Comfort  of  the  Contrite, 108 

The  Glory  of  Omnipotence, 109 

Prayer, 110 

The  Sufficiency  of  God,....- Ill 

Zion,  the  Seat  of  Jehovah's  Presence, 112 

Jesus  suited  to  every  Providence, 113 

Good  Night, Ill 

The  Kindness  of  God  to  Hi?  Creatures, 115 

"Shew  Me  Thy  Ways," 116 

Childhood, 117 

The  Duty  of  Praising  God, 118 

The  Word  of  the  Lord,  Abounding  Sweetness, 119 

The  Saint  assured  of  Final  Glory, , 120 

The  Gift  of  Christ, 121 

The  Sufferer  at  Bethesda, 122 

The  Death  of  the  Faithful, 123 

Christ,  the  Pilot, 121 

"And  every  Eye  shall  see  Him," 124 

The  Dawning  of  the  Day  of  Righteousness, 125 

The  Vexations  Experienced  by  the  Righteous, 126 

Epitaph, 127 

"  In  that  Day  shall  the  Branch  of  the  Lord  be  Beau- 
tiful and  Glorious," 127 

The  Duty  of  Man's  Homage  to  his  Creator, 128 

Ye  Must  be  Born  Again, 129 

On  the  Death  of  Three  Infants, 130 

The  Social  Meeting  of  Saints, 131 

Lines, 132 

The  Day  of  Salvation, 133 

Reverence  to  Jehovah, 134 

Plea  for  the  Heart  Searching  Power  of  God, 135 

The  Character  of  Christ, 136 

Death  Welcome  to  the  Believer, 137 


CONTENTS.  IX 
Pa?e 

"Man  did  eat  Angels'  Food," 138 

The  Wonders  of  Godhead, 139 

Evening  Hymn, 140 

On  Recovery  from  Sickness, 141 

"  But  he  that  Doeth  the  Will  of  God  Abideth  Forever,"  142 

Lines  Written  in  a  Lady's  Album, 143 

Humility  an  Attribute  of  Piety, 144 

Our  Lives  Subject  to  the  Will  of  the  Almighty, 145 

The  Omnipresence  of  God, 146 

The  Pleasures  of  the  Ransomed, 147 

The  Anger  of  God  with  the  Rebellious, 14S 

The  Life  of  Consistent  Piety, 149 

The  Friendship  of  Jesus, 150 

Necessity  of  Constant  Prayer, 151 

Christ  at  Calvary, 152 

Sonnet,  154 

The  Bounties  of  our  Heavenly  Father, 155 

The  Church  of  Christ, 156 

Comfort  to  the  Afflicted, 157 

God  Worthy  of  the  Sinner's  Confidence, 158 

Rest  in  Heaven, 159 

Faith, 160 

The  Pleasures  of  Serving  the  Redeemer, 161 

Selfishness  Akin  to  Idolatry, 162 

Return  of  the  Sinner  to  God, 163 

"It  is  I," 164 

Life  Afflictive,  Heaven  Enrapturing  and  Holy, 165 

Evening  Hymn, 166 

Treasures  in  Heaven, 167 

The  Sinner  Triumphant  through  Grace, 168 

Progress  in  Faith, 169 

The  Sweetness  of  Communion  with  Saints, 170 

Waiting  for  the  Appearance  of  the  Lord, 171 

Security  of  the  Righteous, 172 

Hoping  for  Heaven, 173 


X  CONTENTS. 

Tage 

Partial  Happiness  of  the  Saint  in  Probation, 174 

Earth  Insignificant  Compared  to  Heaven, 175 

Christ  Suffering  for  Sinners, 176 

Comfort  to  the  Pilgrim  Zionward, 177 

Christian  Fellowship, 178 

God's  Covenant  with  his  People, 179 

The  Way  of  Peace, 180 

Zeal  in  the  Service  of  Iramanuel, 181 

Happiness  of  the  Saints  in  Glory, 1S2 

Confidence  in  God, 183 

The  Promises  of  God, 184 

The  Dangerous  Condition  of  the  Unregenerate, 1S5 

Afflictions  Temporary  to  the  Saint, 186 

The  Reward  of  the  Righteous, 187 

Christ  Lovely  and  Precious, 188 

Jesus  Offering  Hope  and  Peace, 189 

The  Soul  Established  upon  Christ's  Immutability,...  190 

Accessions  of  Glory  to  the  Church, 191 

Religion,  192 

Call  to  Repentance  and  Peace, 193 

Christ  the  Sinner's  Refuge, 194 

Call  to  Rejoicing  in  Love, 195 

Soliciting  the  Grace  of  the  Saviour, 196 

The  Mercy  of  God  the  Father, 197 

The  Courts  of  the  Lord  always  Delightful, 198 

The  Only  Way  to  Heaven, 199 

God's  Vineyard  Unfruitfnl, 200 

Rejoicing  in  Prospect  of  Deliverance  from  Sin, 201 

Jesus  the  Light  of  Nations, 202 

Zion's  Conquests, 203 

Confessions  of  Ingratitude, , 205 

"That  which  Remaineth  is  Glorious," 206 

Triumphs  of  the  Gospel, 207 

The  Dove  of  the  Deluge, 208 

The  Heirship  of  the  Saints  with  Christ, 209 


CONTENTS.  XI 

Page 

The  Constant  Pleasures  of  the  Pious 210 

The  Prosperity  of  Zion, 211 

Christ  the  Source  of  Comfort, 212 

The  Affection  of  the  Saviour, 213 

The  Paths  of  Religion  Peaceful, 215 

Trust  in  the  Lord, 216 

Lingering  Fears  Painful  to  the  Weak  in  Faith, 217 

Christ  an  Inviting  Saviour, 218 

Inscription  for  a  Tomb  Stone, 219 

The  Meekness  of  the  Christian  Convert, 219 

Looking  Heavenward, 220 

The  Death  of  the  Righteous, , 221 

'•'Remember  Me," 222 

The  Labors  of  Love, 224 

Desire  to  See  Jesus, 225 

Pardon  Purchased  by  Jesus, 226 

Epitaph, 227 

A  New  Song  to  the  Lord, 228 

The  Presence  of  Jesus  a  Conspicuous  Privilege, 229 

Epitaph, 230 

Hymn  of  the  Pilgrims, , 231 

No  Rest  in  Unregeneracy, 334 

Call  for  the  Saviour, 235 

God's  Grace  Vivifying, 236 

Death, 237 

Hope  Sustained  by  Evidence, 238 

The  Judgment  Day, 239 

Faith  Powerful  at  Death, 240 

The  Doom  of  the  Hypocrite, 241 

The  Way  of  the  Saints  wearisome, 242 

Written  for  a  Sabbath  School  Anniversary, 243 

Doxology, 243 

Hopes  and  Yearnings  Heavenward, 244 


THE  BURYING. 

The  hamlet  weeps.     The  churchyard  in  the  vale, 
With  open  gate,  unfolds  a  mournful  tale. 
The  wailing  mourners  wind  below  the  hedge, 
Along  the  orchard's  low,  uneven  edge, 
Then  by  the  barn,  the  out-house  and  the  mill, 
And  down  the  crooked  pathway  of  the  hill, 
There,  musing,  pause.    That  was  the  slumberer's 

couch, 
At  sultry  noon  ;  he  there  his  cumbrous  pouch, 
Stored  with  the  dainties  of  the  pantry,  drew, 
And  silent,  feasted,  as  the  minutes  flew ; 
Watching,  half  pensive,  the  sleek,  listless  herd, 
Whose  crashing  hoofs  startled  the  timid  bird 
Lured  by  the  crumbs  dropt  at  his  rustic  meal ; 
Or  by  the  sudden  whirring  of  the  wheel. 
There  is  the  well,  whose  nectar  he  drew  up, 
In  the  broad  bucket,  for  his  earthen  cup ; 
There  is  the  barnyard,  and  the  glistening  pails, 
Reversed,  and  ranged  along  the  topmost  rails. 
The  cows  he  tended,  hay  he  helped  to  mow, 
The  rye  luxuriant  which  he  helped  to  sow ; 
The  veering  vane,  whose  warning  he  pursued, 
And  stacked  the  wheat,  and  cooped  the  truant 

brood ; 
The  morning  glory,  affluent  of  shade, 
The  trellised  arbor,  where,  at  morn,  he  prayed, 
2 


10  SACRED    LYRICS  ;    OR, 

The  whetted  scythe,  the  sturdy  yoke,  the  plough, 
Left  in  sad  haste  beneath  the  poplar  bough. 
The  vines  he  nurtured  for  the  household  use, 
The  fertile  meadow,  watered  by  a  sluice 
His  hand  prepared  :  and  then  the  church  fenced 

in 
By  porch  and  shade-tree,  from  the  hamlet's  din. 
They  slowly  pace  the  grassy  road  that  bounds, 
The   humble    tombs   which  stud   the   spacious 

grounds, 
Speak  in  a  whisper  of  his  recent  feast, 
Of  invitations  given  to  the  least ; 
His  kindly  pedigree,  his  happy  birth, 
His  steady  virtue,  and  his  genial  worth. 
How,  when  a  famine,  numerous  garners  bared, 
His  hand,  unstinting,  large  provisions  spared ; 
When  drought  consumed  the  promise  of  the  field, 
His  granary  supplied  abundant  yield  ; 
His  ruddy  face,  his  blue,  mirth-darting  eye, 
Bore  no  sad  tell-tale  of  affliction's  sigh  j 
His  feats  of  skill,  his  manly  grace  rehearse, 
The  tale  with  wise  reflections  intersperse  j 
And  some  remembered  to  have  seen  him  steal 
To  a  dim  covert,  there,  sequestered,  kneel, 
(The  haze  of  twilight,  gathering  down  the  lane, 
While  the  cool  zephyr  swayed  the  pliant  grain,) 
And  plead  for  blessings  on  his  neighbor's  house, 
His  own  dear  children,  and  his  loving  spouse, 
Then  rise  refreshed,  as  the  sweet  evening  star, 
Type  of  his  faith,  peered  through  the  heavens 
afar. 


HOPES  AND  YEARNINGS  HEAVENWARD.      11 

At   harvest    home    his    home-made   wine    was 

brought, 
To  soothe  the  rigor  of  repulsive  thought ; 
The  blithe  corn-huskers  many  a  mile  around, 
A  wife  or  husband  at  his  table  found ; 
And  love  there  prompted,  in  seclusion  sealed, 
Beneath  his  roof  the  artless  pair  revealed. 
On  the  clear  Sabbath,  with  his  knotted  staff, 
And  children  dimpled  by  the  guileless  laugh, 
He  trudged  the  turnpike's  mended  edge  along, 
And  cheered  the  journey  by  a  Sabbath  song  j 
Then  as  he  passed  some  ivy-clustered  door, 
He  saw  some  visage  he  had  seen  before, 
Halted  a  moment  for  familiar  chat, 
Charmed  by  the  pleasure  which  the  scene  begat, 
Stroked   the   old   watch-dog,  leaned   upon  the 

fence, 
While  his  small  offspring  lingered  in  suspense ; 
Then  with  good  morning,  bade  his  quick  adieu, 
And  to  the  church  his  hasty  footsteps  drew. 
There,  with  the  waiting  crowd  outside  the  gate, 
He  shook  each  hand,  the  tiny  and  the  great ; 
Spake  of  the  mercies  which  the  Lord  had  given, 
To  bring  His  people  to  the  gate  of  heaven ; 
Up  the  broad  aisle  he  took  his  stately  way, 
To  join  the  sacred  worship  of  the  day  ; 
With  tongue  devout  commence  Jehovah's  praise, 
And  waft  affection  on  its  beauteous  lays ; 
And  when  death-stricken,  gifts  of  friendships 

came, 
From  noble,  abject,  wise,  or  dull,  the  same; 


12  sacred  lyrics;  or, 

(Since  none  insensible  to  kindness  prove, 
And  e'en  a  monster  is  subdued  by  love;) 
The  housewife's  treasure,  careful  fingers  took, 
To  grace  the  shelf  within  his  bed-room  nook ) 
And  choice  libations,  fragrant  shrub  or  leaf, 
All  the  dear  tokens  of  unmeasured  grief, 
Garnished  the  table  or  the  window-seat, 
Regaled  his  failing  sense  with  perfume  sweet. 
At  one  still  eve  a  thrill  of  music  flew, 
The    trembling    casement,    the    broad    entry 

through ; 
Some  said,  the  birds  from  yonder  eaves-built  nest, 
Had  thither  warbled  as  they  sought  their  rest ; 
Anon,  sweet  perfume  came  upon  the  breeze, 
Some  said  it  floated  from  the  garden-trees  j 
A  light  shone  full  upon  the  sufferer's  bed, 
Some  thought  the  sun  his  lingering  ray  there 

shed ) 
Each  half-unconscious  held  his  struggling  breath, 
And  some  more  buoyant  whispered,—this  is  death ! 
This  they  recount ;  with  stifled  sobs  repeat, 
His  varied  history,  with  praise  replete ; 
Cast  furtive  glances  at  the  reeling  bell, 
Hear,  with  their  hearts  subdued,  its  grieving 

knell ; 
Now  are  the  rites  performed,  the  body  lowered, 
And  grief's  mementoes  on  the  coffin  showered ; 
Now  they  retire,  each  to  his  loved  abode, 
And  in  its  pleasures  light  the  bosom's  load. 
The  birds  that  warbled  'neath  the  window-seat, 
Fly  heavenward  now,  as  to  pursue  his  feet  3 


HOPES  AND  YEARNINGS  HEAVENWARD.      13 

The  rose  he  planted  near  the  garden-gate, 
Droops  as  if  pressed  by  melancholy  great ; 
Those  trees,  these  fields,  a  burial-vesture  wear, 
The  valley  echoes  to  a  solemn  air ; 
Kind  nature  mourns  him  whom  no  love  could 

save, 
Wets   with   her  tears   his   lowly,   grass-bound 

grave. 


HYMN. 

THE    SUPREME  AUTHORITY  OF  GOD. 

All  that  I  have  or  see  or  know, 

The  earth  I  tread,  the  towering  tree, 

The  rivers  rise,  the  rills  smooth  flow, 
The  buoyant,  broad,  surf -bordered  sea; 

These  live,  or  move,  or  stand,  or  speak, 
Permitted  or  ordained  by  G-od ', 

Deprived  of  this  the  brave  were  weak, 
The  beautiful  but  desert  clod. 

Now  let  me  live  as  though  I  feel 

The  majesty  of  Him  I  serve ; 
Now  let  me  strive  to  learn  His  will, 

And  ne'er  from  prompt  obedience  swerve. 

Above  me,  Jesus  kindly  asks, 

That  which  an  infant  might  supply ; 

Love,  and  love  only,  that  which  basks, 
In  the  calm  sunshine  of  His  eye. 
2* 


14  SACRED    LYEICS  ;    OR, 

HYMN. 

THE  HOME  OF  THE  HAPPY. 

The  home  of  the  happy,  it  is  not  of  earth, 
?Mid  grief  and  confusion/mid  famine  and  dearth ; 
It  lies  far  away  in  the  universe  bright, 
And  Jesus,  the  Saviour,  dispenseth  it  light. 

The  home  of  the  happy,  what  eye  can  explore, 
Or  compass  its  confines,  or  distance  its  shore  ? 
The  love  that  throughout  an  eternity  ran, 
Can  measure  its  limits,  can  compass  its  span. 

The  home  of  the  happy,  oh  when  we  ascend, 
We'll  sing  hallelujahs,  adoringly  bend; 
We'll  worship  with  angels,  and  conqueror-saints, 
Whose  love  never  falters,  whose  praise  never 
faints. 

The  smile  of  Jehovah,  the  mountains  of  rest, 
The  city  of  glory,  the  vales  of  the  blest, 
The  noontide  eternal,  the  festival, — love, 
We'll  share  in  the  home  of  the  happy  above. 


HOPES  AND  YEARNINGS  HEAVENWARD.      15 


MORNING  HYMN. 

The  morning  dawns,  its  rays  extend, 
And  varied  tints  of  beauty  blend; 
A  silence  deep  subdues  the  air, 
Because  it  is  the  hour  of  prayer. 

The  hour  of  prayer !  Christian  attest, 
Thy  unison  with  God's  behest; 
Plead  for  the  confidence  he  gives, 
Thy  Father,  Guide,  Protector,  lives. 

No  other  hand  can  yield  so  much, 
There's  healing  in  His  gracious  touch ; 
There's  pity  in  His  look ;  His  voice, 
Bids  nature  and  thy  heart  rejoice. 

Go  then  in  prayer,  crave,  sue,  entreat, 
Grace  gushes  'neath  the  Saviour's  feet ; 
Where'er  thou  kneel' st,  there  wilt  thou  find 
God  to  alleviate  inclined. 

Pray  to  thy  Father,  and  when  death  . 
Has  struggled  for  thy  failing  breath, 
One  prayer, — "  receive  my  spirit,  Lord," 
Will  seas  of  heavenly  joy  afford. 


16  SACRED   LYRICS  ;    OR, 


HYMN. 

WAITING  FOR  THE  WILL  OF  GOD. 

See,  Lord,  I  wait  to  do  Thy  will, 

Sweet  is  Thy  service  here ; 
Sufficient  is  Thy  voice  to  still, 
Each  trying,  threatening  fear. 

I  ask  not  for  some  pleasant  field, 

Of  comfort  or  of  gain, 
Where  wealth  and  majesty  may  wield 

The  symbols  of  their  reign. 

No,  Saviour,  let  my  toil  and  zeal 
My  strong  attachment  prove; 

That  sinners  may  confess  I  feel 
The  fervor  of  Thy  love. 

Then  shall  my  soul  rejoice  within, 

My  hand  and  heart  agree, 
To  wage  the  mighty  war  with  sin, 

And  labor  but  for  thee. 


HOPES  AND  YEARNINGS  HEAVENWARD. 


THE  VILLAGE  CHURCH. 

Down  in  a  pleasant,  sheltering  nook, 

Stands  a  secluded  church  ; 
Beside  it  leaps  a  gurgling  brook, 

O'erhung  by  oak  and  birch. 

The  flowers  that  perish  in  the  vale, 
Send  up  their  perfume  there  j 

As  lips,  that  trembling,  pulseless,  pale, 
Breathe,  and  are  stilled, — in  prayer. 

The  Ivy  lingers  at  the  door, 

The  mossy  arch  entwines ; 
'Tis  beautiful  as  'twas  of  yore, 

As  verdant  are  its  vines. 

There  on  the  pleasant  sabbath  morn, 

The  human  tides  converge  ; 
And  tongues  familiar  once  to  scorn, 

Move  to  a  Psalm  or  Dirge. 

Hark  !  'tis  the  church  bell,  hark  !  it  tells, 

Of  swiftly  passing  time  ; 
Of  cooling  streams,  of  shady  dells, 

And  youth's  rejoicing  prime. 

A  fervor  flies  from  heart  to  heart, 
And  praise  from  tongue  to  tongue ; 

And  music,  uncorrupt  by  art, 
Is  calmly,  sweetly  sung. 


18  SACRED   LYRICS  ;    OR, 

Slowly  the  worshippers  disperse, 
Through  all  the  churchyard  lone ; 

Or  pause  to  read  some  favorite  verse, 
Or  scan  some  sculptured  stone. 

Dim  shadows  flit  along  the  wall, 

The  faintest  sound  expires ; 
Now  through  the  casement,  spire  and  hall, 

Stream  the  rich  sunset  fires. 

Deep  in  a  lovely,  quiet  nook, 
Stands  that  secluded  church ; 

And  brightly  leaps  the  gurgling  brook, 
O'erhung  by  oak  and  birch. 


EPITAPH. 


Rest  thee  in  glory  !  for  no  rest  thou  found, 
While  e'er  thou  journeyed  life's  confusing  round; 
Rest  thee  in  glory !  not  to  sleep,  to  see, 
The  varied  splendours  of  eternity ; 
Rest  thee  in  glory  !  for  thy  days  were  passed, 
In  pains,  each  one  more  piercing  than  the  last ; 
And  conscience  almost  to  thy  breast  denied, 
The  hope  that  Jesus  stood  thy  bed  beside. 
But  now  thy  lifesands  are  forever  run, 
Thy  crown  of  victory  in  glory  won  ! 
Rest  thee  in  glory,  saints  and  angels  sing, 
Rest  thee  in  glory  with  thy  God  and  King. 


HOPES  AND  YEARNINGS  HEAVENWARD.      19 


HYMN. 

THE  TREASURES  LAID  UP  IN  HEAVEN. 

What  a  vast  estate  is  mine, 

What  a  treasure  to  me  tendered  ; 

Jesus'  blood  the  seal  and  sign, 
Unto  me  in  mercy  rendered. 

Freely  given,  Oh  !  how  kind, 
Thus  to  treat  a  child  of  sorrow ; 

One  to  holy  beauties  blind, 

Doubting,  fearing  for  the  morrow. 

Gold  and  jewels,  crowns  and  stars, 
Make  the  measure  of  my  glory ; 

Faith  lets  down  my  prison-bars, 
Bars  with  dust  of  sin  made  hoary. 

Far  I  look,  and  farther  still, 
Stretches  the  estate  forever ; 

Oh  what  joy  my  heart  to  fill, 

Fruit  of  faith  more  than  endeavour. 

When  I  die  I  shall  possess, 
This  circumference  of  beauty, 

Area  of  happiness; 

Let  me  now  perform  my  duty. 


20  SACRED   LYRICS  ;    OR, 


HYMN. 

ESTRANGEMENT  FROM  THE  FATHER'S  PRESENCE. 

Sad  is  my  spirit  when  estranged, 
From  any  of  Thy  kind  commands  ; 

Thy  pleasures  from  my  paths  are  changed, 
Thy  sweetest  service  from  my  hands. 

Thy  kingdom  was  my  glory  once, 

Now  worldly  cares  Thy  gifts  exclude  ; 

There's  joy  in  felt  omnipotence, 
To  him  by  His  sweet  love  imbued. 

But  to  the  wanderer  'tis  pain, 
To  think  his  G-od  can  penetrate, 

Each  thought,  affliction,  false  or  vain, 
While  its  development  we  wait. 

The  way,  though  narrow,  to  Thy  throne, 
Help  me  with  faithful  feet  to  tread ; 

Mercy  is  Thine,  Thou  Lord,  alone, 
Here  on  m}T  heart  its  favors  shed. 


HOPES  AND  YEARNINGS  HEAVENWARD.      21 

HYMN. 

THE    WATERS    OF    SALVATION. 

There  is  a  stream  whose  crystal  deeps, 

A  world  of  bliss  reveals  ; 
Yet  man  beside  the  current  weeps, 
And  only  anguish  feels. 

Lo  !  on  its  borders  roses  bloom, 

In  fairest,  loveliest  hue  ; 
And  vapors  drifting  sweet  perfume, 

Veil  the  delightful  view. 

The  spring  from  which  it  gently  flows, 

Is  like  the  current, — pure ; 
They  who  its  precious  worth  disclose, 

Find  for  each  pain  a  cure. 

Apostles  traced  its  ancient  way, 

And  drank  its  limpid  tide  ; 
The  draught  inspired  their  feeble  clay ; 

Its  waters  ne'er  subside. 

And  weary  Christians  oft  have  drank, 

And  found  the  waters  sweet; 
Then  in  the  arms  of  Jesus  sank, 

And  found  their  joy  complete. 


22  SACRED   LYRICS  ;   OR, 

It  flows  for  us, — Oh  would  we  taste, 
Our  souls  would  rapture  feel ; 

To  the  great  head-spring  joyful  haste, 
And  there  our  love  reveal. 


HYMN. 

THE    LIGHT    OF    FAITH   AND    LOVE. 

Led  by  the  light  of  faith  and  love, 

The  soul  maintains  her  way, 
Until  she  reach  the  scene  above, 

Of  calm  and  cloudless  day. 

Then  she  sits  down  with  Christ  and  God, 
No  more  to  weep  and  mourn ; 

Nor  suffer,  through  a  weary  road, 
The  vile  blasphemer's  scorn. 

There  envy  shoots  no  arrows  dark, 

Her  character  to  stain ; 
Nor  passion  rude,  inflames  the  spark, 

That  prompts  the  sinner's  pain. 

The  pleasure  of  the  place  is  full, 

The  harmony  is  sweet ; 
G-od  did  each  lingering  terror  lull, 

And  makes  their  joy  complete. 


HOPES  AND  YEARNINGS  HEAVENWARD.      23 


HYMN. 

TEMPTATIONS  THWARTING  OUR  PLANS  FOR  HOLY  LIVING. 

Lord  !  "When  I  would  obey  Thy  word, 
And  taste  Thy  righteousness, 

Temptations  some  new  grief  afford, 
And  make  my  comforts  less. 

I  fear  Thy  anger  then  to  meet, 

(Thy  law  is  just  and  clear  :) 
Bow  in  repentance  at  Thy  feet, 

And  plead  for  pardon,  there. 

Oh  how  delightful  then  to  know, 

That  mercy  still  is  Thine  ; 
To  feel  that  sacred  mercy  flow, 

O'er  this  sad  heart  of  mine. 


Such  is  Thy  love,  my  service  such  ; 

But  faith  looks  calm  above, 
And  waits  the  kind,  angelic  touch, 

To  lift  me  to  Thy  love. 


24  sacred  lyrics:  or, 


EPITAPH. 


Far  from  the  world's  vain  strife,  its  gorgeous 

show, 
She  lived  in  glory,  though  she  moved  below ; 
Her  gentle  soul  sequestrated  by  love, 
Longed  to  assume  the  pinions  of  a  dove, 
Leave  earth  below  and  rise  to  regions  far ; 
Faith  her  true  compass,  Christ  her  guiding  star. 
She  longed,  yet  waited,  hoped,  depended,  died ; 
Then  passed  the  gate,  a  saint  all  glorified. 


SONNET. 

"  HIS  FAVOR  IS  AS  DEW  UPON  THE  GRASS." 

His  favor  !  this  sustains,  invigorates, 
Alike  the  peasant,  pauper,  slave  and  king ; 
Through  the  dull  veins  a  buoyant  life  creates; 
And  to  the  eye  a  speaking  lustre  brings; 
The  tongue  long  silent,  of  His  mercy  sings. 
The  man  walks  forth,  and  varied  forms  descries, 
Or  on  the  earth,  or  in  the  circling  air, 
Or  in  the  distant  grandeur  of  the  skies, 
Or  in  the  covert  of  the  forest  lair. 
In  all,  in  each  a  gracious  God  is  seen, 
'Neath  forest-arches,  in  the  winding  dell, 
In  ocean-surges,  or  the  velvet  green, 
"Where  roaring  cataracts  their  chorus  swell, 
There  is  his  G-od,  and  there  His  favor  dwells. 


HOPES  AND  YEARNINGS  HEAVENWARD.      25 

HYMN. 

MAN  A    CREATURE    TEMPORAL,    GOD   A   SPIRIT    ETERNAL. 

Make  me,  oh  God,  to  know  mine  end, 

And  to  remember  where  I  tend  \ 
How  frail,  how  feeble  is  this  dust, 

And  so  is  all  our  mortal  trust. 

But  thou  eternal  art,  and  great, 

Thou  movest  in  imposing  state  ; 
Thy  regal  glory  shines  above, 

But  shines  inferior  to  Thy  love. 

My  days  are  few  and  thus  should  be, 

Thou  dwellest  in  eternity ; 
Yea,  in  eternity  Thy  throne, 

Stood  e'er  this  world  Thy  power  didst  own. 

While  that  I  ponder  on  Thy  power, 

I  will  devote  each  passing  hour, 
To  faith's  employment,  and  pursue, 

Thy  grace  "till  heaven's  bright  hills  I  view. 


3* 


26  backed  lyrics;  OB, 


HYMN. 

FOE,    SABBATH   MOBNINO. 

Father  !  on  this  Sabbath  morn, 

May  our  souls  from  earth  be  borne, 

May  they  rise  to  Thine  embrace, 
Rest  within  Thy  holy  place. 

Now  while  all  around  is  still, 
We  with  pure  devotion  fill ; 

What  the  world  has  quickened,  calm, 
Cover  with  Thy  Grilead-balm. 

As  the  dew  upon  the  grass, 
Shed  Thy  mercy  as  we  pass ; 

As  the  radiance  of  the  sun, 

Warm  through  all  our  feelings  run. 

Thus  refreshed,  oh  bear  us  on, 
Every  precious  Sabbath  dawn ; 

Then,  like  yonder  glistening  orb, 
In  Thyself  our  souls  absorb. 


HOPES  AND  YEARNINGS  HEAVENWARD. 

HYMN. 

DEATH   AND   THE    GRAVE. 

Thus  are  we  gathered  to  the  grave, 

And  thus  we  mortals  die ; 
Christ  the  immortal  soul  can  save ; 

Thou  sinner,  there  rely. 

Safe  is  the  lodgement  in  His  heart, 
What  sweet  associates  there  ! 

And  though  thy  friends  or  kindred  part, 
Eternal  is  His  care. 

When  once  received  by  Christ  below, 

His  promises  of  love, 
Come  in  a  full,  abundant  flow, 

To  cheer  our  souls  above. 

Then  death  unfolds  the  doors  of  bliss, 
And  thus  the  promise  seals ; 

How  precious  is  that  holiness, 
Which  such  rich  fruit  reveals. 

Though  we  are  gathered  to  the  tomb, 

We  are  endowed  by  love, 
To  change  its  fetters  and  its  gloom, 

For  freedom,  light  above. 


28  sacred  lyrics;  or, 

HYMN. 

PERSUASIONS  TO  REPENTANCE. 

Sinner  !  art  thou  conscious,  say, 
That  the  Lord  can  pardon  give ; 

If  thou  walk  destruction's  way, 
Canst  thou  longer  hope  to  live  ? 

See  the  Father  here  present, 
Ample  evidence  of  grace ; 

Hear  him  call  thee  to  repent, 
And  thy  faith  on  Jesus  place.  . 

Man  of  future  bliss  may  boast, 
But  his  boastings,  oh  how  vain; 

Once  the  time  of  mercy  lost, 
Ne'er  may  it  return  again. 

Present  mercy  may  be  Thine, 
If  thy  wayward  soul  consent ; 

If  thou  dost  the  grace  decline, 
Sinner !  when  wilt  thou  repent  ? 

But  methinks  I  hear  thy  voice, 

Trembling  say, — "  I  now  believe  ;" 
Full  in  mercy's  gift  rejoice, 
Jesus'  love  and  faith  receive. 


HOPES  AND  YEARNINGS  HEAVENWARD.      29 

HYMN. 

GRATITUDE    FOR   MERCIES    UNMERITED. 

True,  Thou  art  love,  and  dost  demand, 
No  large  oblation  from  my  hand, 

Yet  gratitude  requires, 
Some  proper  offering  of  praise, 
Through  all  succeeding  mortal  days, 

Thy  mercy  Lord  inspires. 

If  I  exalt  Thy  name  above, 
I  but  assist  Thy  sacred  love, 

Its  office,  such,  and  aim ; 
For  while  the  angels  wing  their  flight, 
Through  Thy  pavilions,  Lord  of  light, 

"  Most  glorious,"  is  Thy  name. 

Each  moment  marks  some  mercy  here, 
Each  planet  in  the  heavenly  sphere, 

Thy  holy  love  displays ; 
The  breakers  on  the  shore  that  beat, 
The  flowers  exhaling  fragrance  swreet, 

Express  to  man  Thy  praise. 

The  roaring  wind  predicts  Thy  path, 
When  Thou,  avenging  God  of  wrath, 

Shall  sweep  the  proud  to  hell ; 
The  harmonies  of  birds  that  fly, 
Up  to  their  fragile  nests  on  high, 

Angelic  soDgs  foretell. 


30  SACRED    LYRICS  ;    OR, 

True,  Thou  art  terrible  to  sin, 
But  o'er  vile  nature's  loudest  din, 

Thy  heavenly  call  is  given ; 
I  rush  for  refuge  to  Thy  breast ; 
My  God  !  of  that  dear  space  possest, 

I  have  discovered  heaven. 


LINES. 

At  sultry  noon, 

A  stranger  weary  from  his  rugged  road, 
Begged  of  a  cottager  a  modest  boon  3 

His  cumbrous  load, 

Threw  by  the  gate, 

And    craved    some    healthful,    life-inspiring 
drink, 
Then  'neath  the  doorway  shade,  invited  sat  j 

From  the  well's  brink, 

The  peasant  brought, 

A  glittering  draught,  and  in  its  crystal  deep, 
By  sage  tradition  of  his  fathers  taught, 

He  quickly  steeped, 

Some  withered  herb; 

The  potion  offered  to  the  stranger's  mouth, 
Then  careful  not  his  pilgrim  to  disturb, 

Oped  to  the  south, 


HOPES  AND  YEARNINGS  HEAVENWARD.      31 

The  lattice  bar ; 

The  wind  came  over  the  cheek  so  ghastly  pale, 
Scented  with  clover  from  a  field  afar, 

Sweet  to  inhale. 


The  man  revived, 

And  hastened  on  to  reach  his  journey's  end; 
Yet  looked  to  that  sweet  cottage  where  had 
thrived, 

His  brother, — friend. 

The  sunset  shed 

Its  lingering  glories  down  the  narrow  lane, 
Around  the  cottage  wove  its  golden  thread, 

The  lengthened  pane. 

'Tis  thus  the  soul, 

Threading  life's  journey,  pauses  for  a  while, 
And  drinks  by  faith  the  love  containing  bowl ; 

The  Saviour's  smile, 

But  new  prepares 

The  heartsick  christian  for  his  heavenward 
flight; 
One  draught  of  love  his  gloomy  vision  bares, 

And  all  is  light. 


32  SACRED    LYRICS  ,*    OR, 


EPITAPH. 


Some  a  similitude  to  childhood  see, 

In  vines  which  cling  to  a  deeprooted  tree ; 

Some  in  the  rosebud  infancy  perceive, 

The  bloom  of  beauty  ushered  from  its  leaves. 

The  vine  a  serpent's  covert  may  enclose, 

And  thorns,  deep  piercing,  lie  beneath  the  rose ; 

She  was  the  lily,  type  of  purity, 

Swept  by  death's  tide  to  glory's  waveless  sea, 

And  then  replanted  by  an  angel  hand, 

Bloomed  in  the  gardens  of  the  upper  land. 


HYMN. 

THE    LIFE    OF   THE    CHRISTIAN    DAILY   MORE   HEAVENLY. 

The  journeys  that  we  make, 

If  we  on  Jesus  lean  j 
Shows  light  more  glorious  hourly  break, 

Till  Paradise  is  seen. 

The  higher  we  ascend, 

In  our  sincere  delight, 
Sooner  our  pilgrimage  will  end, 

In  glory's  perfect  light. 

Corruption  once  put  off, 

Our  glory  shall  arrive  j 
No  envious  taunt,  no  bitter  scoff, 

Shall  with  the  Saviour  live. 


HOPES  AND  YEARNINGS  HEAVENWARD.      33 

Along  the  bright  ascent, 

Angels  fresh  strength  afford ; 
Nor  fail  through  all  the  road's  extent, 

Till  we  behold  our  Lord. 


HYMN. 

"  THE    WILL   OF   MY   FATHER." 

"The  will  of  my  Father,"  how  joyous  I  hear, 
Unfettered  by  sorrow,  unclouded  by  fear ; 
All  sadness  dispelling,  it  welcomes  me  home, 
No  more  from  the  confines  of  glory  to  roam. 

"  The  will  of  my  Father,"  no  sound  is  more  sweet, 
As  I  gather  with  angels,  and  sing  at  His  feet  j 
Joy  rises  o'er  joy,  and  the  waves  of  delight, 
Full,  boundless,  unceasing,  bewilder  my  sight. 

The  will  of  my  Father  forbids  me  to  dread, 
His  love,  ever  faithful,  has  guarded  my  bed ; 
E'en  now  may  I  slumber  embosomed  in  love, 
And  wait  to  be  with  Him  in  glory  above. 

The  will  of  my  Father,  it  rests  on  my  heart, 
Like  the  rainbow  of  promise,  no  more  to  depart ; 
Life's  sweetest  allurements,  so  transient   they 

seem, 
Recede  as  a  shadow,  dissolve  as  a  dream. 
4 


34  sacred  lyrics;  or, 

The  will  of  my  Father,  it  follows  me  still, 
I  feel  its  kind  impulse,  I  know  'tis  His  will ; 
E'en  life's  stormy  surges  subside  at  His  voice, 
And  vales  cold  and  cheerless  grow  bright  and 
rejoice. 

The  will  of  my  Father  disperseth  the  gloom, 
Drear,  silent  and  chilling  that  hangs  o'er  the 

tomb; 
The  sunshine  of  glory  beams  bright  o'er  the  sod, 
And  welcomes  the  spirit  at  home  to  its  G-od. 

The  will  of  my  Father  will  lead  me  at  last, 
The  anguish  and  dangers  of  life  overpast, 
To  the  mansions  of  happiness,  ever  to  sing, 
Of  the  will  of  my  Father,  my  Saviour  and  King. 


HYMN. 

ENMITY   OF   THE   SINNER  TO   SAVING  GRACE. 

Soul !  why  so  steadfast  in  thy  hate? 

Is  Christ,  the  Saviour,  so  severe ; 
Ne'er  will  your  enmity  abate  ? 

Hast  thou  of  God's  fierce  wrath  no  fear? 

Well  might  thou  tremble  but  to  think, 
His  will  alone  could  fix  your  woe ; 

And  cause  your  ruined  soul  to  sink, 
Where  streams  of  endless  torment  flow. 


HOPES  AND  YEARNINGS  HEAVENWARD.      35 

If  He  delays,  'tis  but  for  time, 
Eternity  His  power  shall  prove ; 

Eternity  that  state  and  clime, 
Of  Saint's  salvation,  joy  and  love. 

Soul !  the  kind  question  here  allow, — 
Why  a  sad  alien  dost  thou  roam  ? 

There's  mercy  with  the  Father  now, 
And  fullness  of  His  joy  at  home. 

Be  but  entreated  to  implore 

His  pardon  and  His  saving  grace ; 

By  faith  thou  shalt  His  love  adore, 
And  see  in  heavenly  courts  His  face. 


HYMN. 

"INTO   THINE   HAND    I   COMMIT   MY   SPIRIT." 

"  Into  Thine  hand  my  spirit  I  commit ! " 
Thus  speaks  the  sinner  on  his  bended  knees ; 
Visions  of  glory  o'er  his  fancy  flit, 
And  halo'd  brows,  and  gentle  forms  he  sees. 

And  thus  he  muses, — If  His  mighty  hand, 
Could  thus  create,  should  feeble,  faltering  I, 
Refuse  submission  to  His  just  command  ? 
There  comes  a  season  when  this  flesh  must  die  ; 

Ah  !  then,  to  be  estranged,  to  be  cast  out, 
Soul,  body,  all  I  have,  'tis  terrible ; 
While  gathering  angels  raise  triumphant  shout, 
To  be  thrust  down,  and  chained  to  deepest  hell ! 


36  SACRED    LYRICS  ;    OR, 

But  no, — my  spirit,  I,  obedient,  place, 
Where  powers  of  darkness  mock  it  but  in  vain ; 
To  die  protected  thus,  (time  flies  apace,) 
Thus,  (oh  vain  mortal  read,)  to  die  is  gain  ! 

Into  Thine  hand  my  spirit  I  commit, 
And  rest  by  faith  upon  Thy  love  and  power ; 
Assured  Thou  wilt  my  confidence  requite, 
By  Thy  protection  at  death's  awful  hour. 


HYMN. 

THE  NAME  OF  JESUS  EXALTED  IN  HEAVEN. 

Of  all  illustrious  names  above, 

My  Father's  brightest  shine; 
His  features  and  His  garments  love, 
And  all  His  ways  divine. 

(t  My  Father,"  oh  what  name  below, 
Can  rival  once  His  praise ; 

Or  'mid  the  world's  illusive  show, 
Such  glorious  emblems  raise. 

He  binds  His  people  to  His  cause, 

By  love,  unwearied  long ; 
His  kindness  our  devotion  draws, 

By  energy  as  strong. 

Thou  great  Creator,  take  and  wear, 
Thy  titles  and  Thy  crown ; 

Nor  hell  with  all  its  fury  dare, 
To  pluck  Thy  glory  down. 


HOPES  AND  YEARNINGS  HEAVENWARD.      37 

HYMN. 

THE    SINNER'S    WANDERINGS. 

Upon  a  lovely  mountain's  side, 

A  shepherd's  flock  was  seen; 
A  rill  its  beauty  strove  to  hide, 

Beneath  the  trailing  green. 

The  shepherd  every  smiling  morn, 

With  crook  in  hand  went  out ; 
Crushed  to  the  ground  each  troubling  thorn, 

And  led  his  lambs  about. 

All  peaceful  was  the  shepherd's  lot, 

Until  one  pleasant  noon, 
A  lamb  the  friendly  flock  forgot, 

And  would  have  perished  soon ; 

But  the  kind  shepherd  tracked  the  way, 

The  bleating  wanderer  went : 
Down  steep  declivities  it  lay, 

Around  deep  gulfs  it  bent. 

At  early  dawn  the  lamb  was  found, 

Brought  to  the  waiting  fold, 
But  in  its  side  a  ghastly  wound, 

A  tale  of  suffering  told. 

Restored  to  safety  and  to  rest, 

It  crops  the  herbage  round ; 

Or  slumbers  in  the  shepherd's  breast, 

Or  at  his  feet  is  found. 
4* 


38  sacred  lyrics;  or, 

Thus,  sadly  thus  do  sinners  stray, 
'Till  Christ  their  steps  pursues ; 

Restores  them  to  His  happy  way, 
His  pledge  of  love  renews. 


EPITAPH. 

His  voyage  's  over ; — past !  the  fearful  gale, 
The  night  of  danger,  and  the  piercing  wail, 
The  streaming  canvass,  and  the  shattered  hull, 
The  high  wind  roaring,  and  the  sudden  lull, 
The  rolling  sea,  the  rocky  coast,  all  dark, 
Concealing  vengeance  to  the  driven  barque. 
The  harbor  entered,  now  the  vessel's  safe 
Where  no  storm  threatens,  and  no  surges  chafe, 
And  the  clear  sunshine  of  eternity, 
Forever  darting,  gilds  the  beauteous  sea. 
Praise  to  the  pilot,  Jesus,  who  didst  guide, 
The  vessel  home,  through  tempest  and  through 
tide. 


HOPES   AND   YEARNINGS    HEAVENWARD.  39 


SONNET. 

"FEAR   GOD." 

In  this  lies  wisdom,  beauty,  hope,  and  strength, 
The  meek  submission  which  a  child  accedes ; 
The  confidence  which  calmly  sees  at  length, 
The  promise  realized  whereon  it  feeds. 
No  longer  Jesus  in  the  garden  pleads 
For  full  exemption  from  the  bitter  pang, 
Nor  the  rude  soldiers  mock  as  He  expires ; 
No  shouts  of  revelry,  no  hammer's  clang 
Prolong  the  agony  which  death  inspires. 
Jesus  has  died,  ascended ;  from  His  Throne 
The  humble  students  of  His  will  surveys ; 
Those,  only  those,  He  deigns  to  call  His  own, 
Who  fear  the  Lord,  and  to  His  love  alone, 
Present  the  tribute  of  their  humble  praise. 


40  sacred  lyrics;  or, 

HYMN. 

THE  PROTECTION  OF  GOD  OVER  HIS  PEOPLE, 

Silence,  ye  sinners,  here  attend, 
The  wisdom  of  your  heavenly  friend ; 
Wait  while  He  whispers  by  His  Son, 
Sweet  benedictions  for  you  won. 

"  Behold  !  my  glory  is  my  love  ! 
My  greatest  glory  rules  above, 
For  there  my  strong  affections  spread, 
And  all  accursed  powers  are  dead. 

"  Jesus,  who  suffered  mortal  pains, 
Your  dangerous  suffering  restrains ; 
He  proved  the  penalty  of  sin, 
That  He  might  your  recovery  win. 

"  Are  you  afflicted  ?    So  was  He, 
Poor  also  !  great  His  poverty ; 
By  sinners  scorned  !  His  portion  such; 
Your  peril  mighty  !  His  as  much. 

"  But  I,  His  Father,  and  your  own, 
Left  Him,  and  leave  you  not  alone ; 
I  hold  the  keys  of  death  and  hell, 
And  kingdoms  build,  and  rebels  quell 

w  Surely  while  power  and  glory's  mine, 
Love  as  enduring  shall  combine, 
My  sons  to  perfect  joy  to  bring, 
To  see  and  love  their  Helper,  King." 


HOPES  AND  YEARNINGS  HEAVENWARD.      41 


HYMN. 

THE    RASHNESS    OF   IMPENITENCE. 

Reckless  of  ruin  rush  we  on, 

By  Satan  urged  below ) 
Oh  !  that  mankind,  ere  hope  is  gone, 

Their  danger  hence  would  know. 

Swift  as  a  charger  to  the  war, 

Our  rapid  feet  impel, 
To  sin, — when  lo  !  our  stations  are 

Just  on  the  brink  of  hell. 

Prone  to  indulgence  and  deceit, 
Our  souls  to  lust  are  given, 

If  vile  impurity  is  sweet, 
Ah  !  how  unlike  to  heaven. 

Is  there  no  rescue  for  the  race, 

No  remedy  for  sin  ? 
Yes  in  the  power  of  pardoning  grace, 

And  mercy  shed  within. 

This  grace  cannot  perform  her  work, 
If  pride  preserves  her  sway ; 

If  in  my  soul  this  curse  should  lurk, 
Its  strength,  dear  Jesus,  slay. 


42  SACRED    LYRICS  :    OR, 


HYMN. 
Christ's  love  unbounded. 

Jesus  !  in  Thy  abyss  of  love, 
My  soul  would  plunge  and  lie ; 

Fed  from  the  living  spring  above, 
It  longs  to  heaven  to  fly. 

It  longs  to  bathe  its  drooping  wing, 

Full  in  Thy  glory  fair  ; 
And  Thy  successive  mercies  sing, 

With  clustering  angels  there. 

Say  shall  it  droop  away  from  light, 

Away  from  glory  too  ? 
Excluded  from  the  high  delight, 

Which  seraphim  pursue  ? 

Oh  waft  it  to  Thy  glorious  throne, 
The  centre  of  Thy  praise ; 

Let  love's  ennobling,  blissful  tone, 
Sound  through  its  happy  lays. 


HOPES  AND  YEARNINGS  HEAVENWARD.      43 


HYMN. 

THE  CHURCH'S  POWER  AND  BEAUTY. 

Zion  !  how  beauteous  are 

Thy  walls  with  glory  crowned ; 

Thy  bulwarks  glisten  from  afar, 
And  guard  the  chosen  ground. 

God  is  a  refuge  sweet, 

Known  through  thy  sacred  hill ; 
He  can  refresh  the  weary  feet, 

The  soul  ahungered,  fill. 

Nations  Thy  heights  survey, 
And  kings  with  wonder  view ) 

Islands  Thy  pleasing  voice  obey, 
And  yield  their  homage  too. 

God  will  Thy  honour  keep, 

Thy  palaces  defend ; 
Zion  !  no  more  repine  or  weep, 

Sustained  by  such  a  friend. 


44  sacred  lyrics;  or, 


HYMN. 

JESUS    THE    SHEPHERD    OF    HIS    PEOPLE. 

Shepherd  of  Israel,  lead  and  keep, 
Thy  faithful  children  as  Thy  sheep  ; 

By  blest  instruction  and  restraints, 
Control  and  edify  Thy  saints. 

They  wander  through  a  stranger's  land, 
They  need  the  guidance  of  Thy  hand ; 

Afflictions  crowd  their  lengthened  road, 
Succeed  them  with  Thy  joy,  oh  God. 

Satan  prepares  some  new  deceit, 
So  that  he  may  their  woe  complete; 

The  adversary  of  the  race, 

Shall  shrink  if  Thou  unveiFst  Thy  face. 

Tears,  groans,  and  sighs  they  shall  exchange, 
For  praises  as  through  heaven  they  rauge  j 

And  each  aggrieving  danger  die, 
Before  thy  glorious  throne  on  high. 


HOPES  AND  YEARNINGS  HEAVENWARD.      45 

HYMN. 

COMING   TO   THE   CROSS    OF   CHRIST. 

Come  to  the  Cross  in  prayer :  a  suppliant  thou. 
Before  the  suffering  Saviour  humbly  bow ; 
Implore  His  pity  as  He  calmly  dies, 
Perhaps  He  will  command  thee  to  the  skies. 

Come  to  the  Cross  in  faith,  the  blood  that  flows. 
Can  cleanse  thy  guilt,  can  palliate  thy  woes  j 
Believe,  and  angels  shall  thy  footsteps  guard. 
Though  trooping  sins  surround  and  press  thee 
hard. 

Come  to  the  Cross  in  love;  thus  wilt  thou  find. 
The  Saviour  always,  sweet,  sincere,  and  kind ; 
Willing  to  bless  thee  as  thou  dost  require, 
With  faith,  with  fervent  zeal,  with  holy  fire. 

Come  to  the  Cross  in  joy;  know  that  the  Lord. 
Can  present  peace,  and  future  bliss  afford; 
The  blood  that  trickles  o'er  His  pallid  face, 
Bears  on  its  crimson  drops  supplies  of  grace. 

Come  to  the  Cross,  while  Jesus  calls  thee  there. 
His  grace  in  fullness,  hope  of  glory  share ; 
In  prayer,  faith,  love,  and  joy,  dear  sinner,  come, 
Find  in  Christ's  bosom,  rest, — in   heaven  thy 
home. 

5 


46  SACRED    LYRICS  ;    OR, 


HYMN. 

THE   LAND    OF   BLESSEDNESS. 

Land  of  my  Father,  God, 

Climate  of  joy  supreme, 
Strand  by  immortal  footsteps  trod, 

Be  my  immortal  theme. 

Fain  would  I  join  Thy  choir, 
With  heavenly  fervor  high  ; 

And  ne'er  permit  my  song  expire, 
Its  rippling  music  die. 

Oh,  how  I  long  to  go, 

Enjoy  what  faith  foretells, 
The  compass  of  that  glory  know, 

Where  God,  my  Saviour,  dwells. 

I  hasten,  yet  I  wait ; 

When  will  the  music  come, 
Fresh  from  the  flashing  pearly  gate, 

To  win  the  wanderer  home. 

Jehovah  !  speed  the  hour, 
That  brings  my  soul  release  ; 

Approve  me  through  Thy  love  and  power, 
Grant  to  my  spirit  peace. 


HOPES  AND  YEARNINGS  HEAVENWARD. 


HYMN. 

LAMENTING   OVER   DEPARTURE    FROM    GOD. 

Father  !  Thee  how  oft  I  leave, 
Oft  Thy  counsels  I  forget ; 

Oft  Thy  yearning  love  I  grieve ; 
Dost  Thou,  canst  Thou  love  me  yet. 

Once  I  left  Thy  happy  doors, 
From  thy  precepts  went  astray  j 

Pleasures  on  forbidden  shores, 
There  beguiled  my  feet  away. 

While  I  wandered  from  Thy  house, 
Darkness  came  upon  my  path  t 

Tempests  did  the  air  arouse  ; 

Were  they  messengers  of  wrath  ? 

Sweetly  did  the  storm  subside, 

Then  the  rainbow  spanned  the  sky ; 

Mercy  called  me  to  Thy  side, 
Could  I  from  Thy  mercy  fly  ? 

True  !  this  was  a  Father's  love, 
Never  has  it  failed  to  me ; 

Jesus  !  in  Thy  house  above, 
Let  my  soul  its  glory  see. 


48  SACRED    LYRICS  ;    OR, 


HYMN. 
Christ's  blood,  the  sinner's  ransom. 

Freedom  in  Jesus !  brightest  gem, 
That  burns  in  G-od's  great  diadem  j 
Sin's  fatal  conquests  forged  our  chain, 
And  prompted  every  inward  pain. 

'Tis  Thy  exclusive  gift,  oh,  God, 
Thou  breakest  the  oppressor's  rod ; 
Thy  heavenly  attributes  combine, 
To  prove  the  blessing  all  divine. 

Ere  we  conceived  our  depth  of  woe, 
Thou  didst  our  dreadful  danger  know; 
And  while  we  captives  helpless  wept, 
Thy  angels  our  protection  kept. 

Now  we  are  happy  in  Thy  love, 
Now  we  expect  to  dwell  above ; 
We  have  a  father's  house,  (how  blest,) 
And  soon  shall  there  rejoice  and  rest. 


HOPES    AifD   YEARNINGS    HEAVENWARD.  49 

HYMN. 

THE    MAJESTY    OF    JEHOVAH. 

Jehovah  wide  proclaims  His  power, 
Be  still,  ye  creatures  of  an  hour, 
Look  to  the  Lord,  preserve  and  show, 
The  wonders  of  His  power  below. 

Heaven  is  His  throne,  whence  His  commands, 
Fly  steady  to  far  distant  lands ; 
Ye  kingdoms  who  dispute  his  word, 
Shall  bow  submissive  to  the  Lord. 

His  graceful  sceptre  formed  of  love, 
Sways  fully  all  the  powers  above  j 
His  sons  most  glorious  stand  in  awe, 
Before  the  justice  of  His  law. 

The  sea  He  measures  with  His  hand, 
And  marks  the  limit  of  the  land  ; 
Our  God  requires  no  place  of  rest, 
Since  He  of  all  things  is  possest. 

God,  great  and  mighty,  loves  the  heart, 
Where  meek  contrition  holds  a  part ; 
To  such  his  face  in  kindness  turns, 
While  He  rebelling  sinners  spurns. 

The  glory  of  his  saints,  how  great, 
There  at  his  banquet  board  to  wait ; 
How  bright  the  splendours  of  their  brow, 
Who  stand  with  Christ  in  glory  now. 
5* 


50  SACRED   LYRICS  ;   OR, 


HYMN. 

JESUS    REQUESTING    THE    SINNER'S    DEVOTION. 

"  Give  me  Thine  heart/'  is  God's  request, 
Help  me,  dear  Saviour,  to  comply ; 

Honour  and  comfort,  joy  and  rest, 
Within  His  sweet  acceptance  lie. 

Ah,  how  degraded  was  my  state, 
When  Jesus  to  restore  me  came  ; 

How  patient  did  His  mercy  wait, 

To  pluck  me  from  my  woe  and  shame. 

My  God  redeemed  me  by  His  grace, 
Or  I  had  been  a  soul  undone  ', 

Then  in  His  house  prepared  a  place, 
To  worship  and  to  praise  His  Son. 

My  soul  accept ;  it  shall  be  Thine  ; 

Lord,  on  the  bosom  of  Thy  love, 
Let  it  eternally  recline ; 

That  is  the  sweetest  spot  above. 


HOPES  AND  YEARNINGS  HEAVENWARD.      51 

HYMN. 

THE    DAY   OF    SALVATION. 

Faintly  o'er  the  eastern  hills, 

Breaks  salvation's  beauteous  day  ; 

All  the  plain  with  glory  fills, 
Born  of  heaven's  eternal  ray. 

Happy  morning,  sweet  delight, 

After  long  and  starless  night. 

Far  the  rising  light  is  seen, 

Distant  valleys  raise  their  tune  ; 

Mountains  that  ascend  between, 
Learn  the  living  anthem  soon ; 

Sing  salvation's  rapturous  strain, 

Man's  release  from  woe  and  pain. 

Angels  hear,  and  hearing,  praise, 
Seraphs  catch  the  heavenly  fire  ; 

Mingle  with  our  mortal  lays, 
Music  of  their  sweetest  lyre ; 

O'er  the  happy  hills  above, 

Wanders  Christ's  immortal  love. 

Sinners  who  in  bondage  lie, 

From  your  fearful  chains  awake  ; 

Crowns  are  held  for  you  on  high, 
Jesus  would  your  bondage  break. 

Wake,  (salvation's  light  doth  rise,) 

To  the  glory  of  the  skies. 


52  SACRED    LYEICS  ?    OR, 


HYMN. 

THE    SOUL,    OF    ETERNAL   VALUE. 

Say,  should  my  soul  be  lost, 
And  the  whole  world  my  gain, 

What  could  compensate  for  the  cost, 
Her  never  ending  pain. 

And  may  the  sinner  lose, 
The  prospects  angels  prize  ? 

Yes,  if  persisting  to  refuse, 
The  mercies  of  the  skies. 

To  forfeit  life  and  peace, 

In  death  and  darkness  dwell, 

And  fly  at  nature's  last  release, 
To  the  long  pains  of  hell ! 

How  dreadful  is  the  thought ! 

That  souls  should  purchase  woe ; 
And  find  the  trembling  ruin  brought, 

Upon  their  hopes  below. 

It  is  not  now  too  late, 

To  be  through  Christ  forgiven  ; 
To-morrow  may  obstruct  the  gate, 

And  bar  your  soul  from  heaven. 


HOPES  AND  YEARNINGS  HEAVENWARD.      53 


HYMN. 
god's  promises  unaffected  by  the  lapse  of  ages. 

God  will  be  gracious,  as  of  old, 
To  such  as  in  His  name  rejoice ; 

Though  sinners  in  aversion  bold, 
Abhor  the  beauty  of  His  voice. 

How  can  He  fail  of  all  He  swears, 

He  is  eternal  and  supreme ; 
Man  is  a  creature  checked  by  cares, 

And  evanescent  as  a  dream. 

"Be  strong,"  Jehovah  says,  "  and  love;" 
The  Christian's  hope  His  hand  supplies  ; 

The  strength  which  cometh  from  above, 
Declares  its  origin, — the  skies. 

Ye  weak  and  wayward  in  the  flesh, 
God  and  the  Saviour  hold  your  aid  j 

They  will  your  soul  with  joy  refresh, 
There  let  your  faith  and  hopes  be  laid. 


54  SACEED   LYEICS  ;    OR, 

HYMN. 

FAITHFULNESS    TO    THE    LOED    OUR   RIGHTEOUSNESS. 

Faithful  to  Jesus,  oh  Saviour,  forever 

I'll  worship  and  serve  Thee,  and  sing  of  Thy 
fame; 
Not  kingdoms   or  crowns   my   affections   shall 
sever, 
From  Thy  precious  gospel,  Thy  ransoming 
name. 

Faithful  to  Jesus  !  so  gentle,  so  pleasing, 
He  paid  the  full  debt  of  my  terrible  sin  ; 

And  while  His  blest  blood  my  rash  soul  was 
releasing, 
His  love,  flowed  endearing,  my  hope  to  begin. 

Faithful  to  Jesus  !  e'en  at  this  calm  hour, 
I  flourish  and  feast  on  His  faith  and  His  love ; 

I  praise,  but  how  faintly,  the  merciful  power, 
That  points  my  weak  eye  to  the  pleasures 
above. 

Faithful  to  Jesus  !  I  pledged  at  His  altar, 
To  live  for  His  honour,  His  glory,  His  praise ; 

But  burdened  by  fears  from  within,  oft  I  falter, 
And  scarcely  one  song  to  redemption  I  raise. 

Faithful  to  Jesus  !  There's  rich  consolation, 
Spread  out  on  the  page  of  His  promising  word; 

There's   pardon,    and   mercy,    and    peace,    and 
salvation, 
To  all  who  by  faith  do  accept  of  the  Lord. 


HOPES   AND   YEARNINGS    HEAVENWARD. 

HYMN. 
"LOVE    ONE    ANOTHER." 

Love  one  another, 

Jesus  commands ; 
Child,  husbaDd,  brother, 

Love  each  demands. 

Love  can  support  me 

Sinking  in  pain ; 
Love  can  exalt  me 

To  joy  again. 

Love  is  redeeming, 

Never  confined  j 
Pleasant  its  gleaming, 

To  the  dark  mind. 

In  the  soul's  prison, 

Stealeth  its  ray, 
Soon  as  'tis  risen, 

Fetters  decay. 

Love  will  enlighten, 

Bosoms  opprest ; 
Languid  hopes  brighten, 

Worn  hearts  give  rest. 

Love  is  the  day-star, 

Marking  the  road  -, 
Heaven's  bright  messenger, 

Leading, — to  God. 


56  SACRED   LYRICS  ;    OR, 


HYMN. 

THE   CARE   OF  JESUS  THE  PROTECTION  OF   HIS    CHURCH. 

Thou  who  to  journeying  Israel  gave, 
The  lustre  of  Thy  guardian  love, 

From  tumults  and  oppressions  save, 
Nor  from  Thy  church  Thy  care  remove. 

Subdue  by  grace  the  furious  will, 

The  oil  of  gentle  mercy  pour ; 
Each  heart  with  kind  compassion  fill, 

That  all  may  Thy  free  grace  adore. 

Make  glorious  Thy  temple's  aisles, 

Thy  stately  steppings  here  make  known  j 

Beam  on  each  heart  Thy  gracious  smiles, 
That  they  may  praise  Thee,  God,  alone, 

And  when  this  temple's  gate  they  leave, 
To  scenes  more  glorious  may  they  soar ; 

Where  sin  ne'er  enters  to  deceive, 
And  sorrow  is  endured  no  more. 


HOPES  AND  YEARNINGS  HEAVENWARD. 


HYMN. 

GOD  THE  FOUNTAIN  OF  ALL  PROPER  PLEASURES. 

Joy,  strength  and  mercy,  all  are  Thine, 

My  Father,  and  my  King  j 
My  gratitude  and  love  combine, 

Thy  character  to  sing. 

Thy  presence  is  perpetual  bliss, 

To  souls  who  taste  Thy  love ; 
They  shall  advance  in  holiness, 

To  perfect  peace  above. 

Thy  grace  abounding,  rich  and  free, 

The  soul  in  grief  sustains  ; 
And  every  danger  that  we  see, 

Declares  Thy  mercy  reigns. 

So  may  Thy  presence  and  Thy  grace, 

Thy  lovely  will  perform  ; 
So  may  the  lustre  of  Thy  face, 

Disperse  each  threatening  storm. 

Then  at  the  last,  momentous  hour, 
Surround  my  soul  with  peace ; 

And  in  the  glory  of  Thy  power, 
Bid  all  my  tremblings  cease. 
6 


58  SACRED   LYRICS  ;    OR, 


HYMN. 

ON   RECOVERY   FROM    SICKNESS. 

Father,  how  gracious,  gentle,  good, 
Thus  to  restore  my  strength ; 

And  on  Thy  love's  sufficient  food, 
To  bear  my  soul  at  length. 

As  plants  that  blossom  in  the  vale, 

A  gentler  beauty  own, 
Than  those  which  feel  the  mountain  gale, 

Sweep  o'er  their  bed  of  stone. 

And  from  their  very  lowliness 

Doth  sweeter  airs  ascend, 
Than  those  which  rougher  winds  caress, 

And  ruder  breezes  bend. 

So,  Jesus,  may  my  humble  lot, 

Be  lightened  by  Thy  love  ; 
I  know  on  earth  it  faileth  not ) 

It  ne'er  shall  fail  above. 


HOPES  AND  YEARNINGS  HEAVENWARD.      59 


THE  FAMILY  BIBLE. 

Sweet  solace  of  ages  !  I  cling  to  thee  still, 
Though  dark  clouds  have  threatened,  and  breezes 

grown  chill; 
My  soul  owns  no  fetter,  yet  mercy  has  bound, 
Thy  loveliest  precepts  my  heart-strings  around. 

Bright  link  of  the  past  with  the  present !  in 

thee, 
Old  faces  long  buried  I  transiently  see ; 
"Who  bent  with  anxiety  over  each  page, 
To  seek  consolation  for  languishing  age. 

Though  torn  be  thy  cover,  and  blistered  thy 

leaf, 
"With  tears  of  contrition,  repentance  and  grief : 
Yet  holy  remembrance  illumines  thee  more, 
Than  diamonds  gathered  from  G-olconda's  shore. 

Dear  herald  of  mercy !  when  loud  thunders  break, 
"When  winds  roar  in  fury,  and  strong  mountains 

shake, 
Thy  hymn  of  salvation,  by  seraphim  sung, 
Falls  sweetly,  serenely,  the  wild  waves  among. 

Sweet  solace  of  ages!  I'll  cherish  thee  still, 
'Till  death's  icy  fetters  my  life  current  chill; 
Then  ransomed,  ennobled,  I'll  sing  to  His  praise, 
"Who  gave  thee,  in  mercy,  to  brighten  my  days. 


60  SACKED    LYRICS  ;    OK, 


HYMN. 

PRAISE    FOR   THE   JOYS    OF    SALVATION. 

Let  all  the  subjects  of  thy  love, 

Thy  saving  mercy  sing ; 
And  for  salvation's  joys  above, 

Their  sweetest  praises  bring. 

Now  may  oppression  break  her  bands, 

And  tremble  at  Thy  word  ; 
While  justice  clothed  with  vengeance  stands, 

To  vindicate  her  Lord. 

Thy  precious  word,  Thy  holy  law, 

Instruct  Thy  servants  well ; 
But  sinners  thence  their  sentence  draw, 

To  bitter  pangs  in  hell. 

God  of  the  Prophets,  blest  of  old, 

Thou  art  our  Father  still ; 
And  while  Thy  promises  we  hold, 

We  shall  perform  Thy  will. 

But  may  this  blest  remembrance  live, 

By  grace,  in  every  breast ; 
Thou  only  canst  assistance  give, 

To  help  us  on  to  rest. 


HOPES    AND    YEARNINGS    HEAVENWARD.  61 


HYMN. 


THE    COMPASSION    OF    JESUS. 


Jesus,  the  everlasting  God, 
From  glory  came  to  men  ; 

Lo !  in  His  hand  no  scourging  rod, 
Xo  royal  sceptre  then. 

He  came  to  die  upon  the  cross, — 

The  wonderful  decree  ! 
To  willingly  restore  our  loss, 

And  set  us,  captives,  free. 

Xature  bewailed  her  suffering  Lord, 
In  darkness  and  in  gloom ; 

Earth  did  her  sympathy  record, 
As  Jesus  neared  the  tomb. 

Sweet  hallelujahs  joyful  sing, 
Since  Jesus  Christ  was  given ; 

He  is  our  faith,  our  joy,  our  King, 
Shall  be  at  last  our  heaven. 


6* 


62  sacred  lyrics;  or, 


HYMN. 

THE  RAPTURES  OF  ETERNITY. 

Ye  mortals,  now  rejoice, 
The  Saviour  is  your  King ; 
Let  Zion's  rich,  melodious  voice, 
Her  builder's  glory  sing. 
From  east  to  west,  His  praise, 
Like  morning  dew  doth  rise, 
His  fair,  effulgent  banners  blaze, 
Along  the  glittering  skies. 

Jehovah  speaks  His  grace, 

From  the  smooth  plains  above  ; 

Saints  catch  some  glory  from  His  face, 

Some  fervor  from  His  love. 

They  cherish  with  delight, 

His  counsels  and  his  will ; 

Soon  to  behold,  in  raiment  bright, 

His  chosen,  happy  hill. 

Soon  Christ  shall  call  their  feet, 
Beside  His  throne  to  stand ; 
Soon,  Angels  with  rejoicings  sweet, 
Their  souls  in  glory  land. 
Then  music,  garland,  crown, 
Shall  to  those  saints  be  given, 
And  every  earthly  trouble  drown, 
In  perfect  joy  of  heaven. 


HOPES  AND  YEARNINGS  HEAVENWARD.      63 


HYMN. 

ALL   THINGS   ARE    TO    GOD   VISIBLE. 

All,  all  things  from  His  throne  on  high, 
The  great,  eternal  Lord  surveys ; 
Nations  stand  naked  to  His  eye, 
Their  loftiest  grandeur  to  His  gaze. 

None  are  too  abject  of  the  race, 
For  Jesus  to  regard  or  know ; 
None  are  too  noble  for  His  grace, 
To  gather  and  to  guide  below. 

Shall  I  endeavor  to  explore, 
Salvation's  splendid  mysteries  ? 
Rather  let  me  that  love  adore, 
That  hides  those  wonders  from  our  eyes. 

Unsearchable  that  love  must  be, 
Because  eternal  life  is  there  j 
Yea,  it  shall  fill  eternity, 
Nor  ages,  its  sweet  strength  impair. 


64  sacred  lyrics;  or, 


HYMN. 

NECESSITY    OF    SEEKING   GOD'S    LOVE    SINCERELY. 

Lord  !  unto  Thee  I  lift  my  voice, 

Consent  to  hear  my  cry ; 
In  thy  dear  love  I  would  rejoice, 

Do  not  that  love  deny. 

Have  mercy,  large,  abundant,  free, 
On  all  who  need  Thy  grace ; 

But  who  more  needful,  Lord,  than  me, 
Of  all  the  wretched  race. 

Pride  and  contempt  disturb  my  peace, 

And  cause  my  soul  alarm ; 
With  Thee  is  riches,  and  release, 

From  every  mortal  harm. 

The  more  I  dwell  upon  Thy  love, 
The  more  its  power  I  know ; 

Happy  must  be  the  saints  above, 
If  such  my  joy  below. 


HOPES  AND  YEARNINGS  HEAVENWARD.      65 


HYMN. 

THE    SAINT    SAFE    '31  ID   EVERY   TRIAL    AND    ALARM. 

Safety  and  peace  surround  Thy  saints, 
Who  daily  seek,  dear  Lord,  thy  face ; 
Their  souls,  though  weary,  shall  not  faint, 
But  find  refreshment  in  Thy  grace. 

They  climb  the  Pisgah-height,  to  view 
The  land  of  glory  and  delight ; 
Each  morning  shows  some  beauty  new, 
Some  later  blessedness,  the  night. 

Thus,  though,  in  bondage,  they  rejoice, 
In  prospect  of  salvation  free ; 
How  sweet,  how  musical,  their  voice, 
Such  should  the  saint's  rejoicings  be. 

No  violence,  nor  dread,  nor  noise, 
Breaks  the  serenity  of  rest  -, 
God,  their  afflicting  foes  destroys, 
To  everlasting,  they  are  blest. 


SACRED    LYRICS  ;    OR, 


HYMN. 

CHRIST,    AND    HIS   HONOUR   PRECIOUS    TO    THE    FATHER. 

What  are  our  honors,  great  and  high, 
"When  held  in  contrast  to  Thy  name  j 

Thou,  whose  eternal  throne  's  the  sky, 
To  day,  forever  more  the  same. 

Eternity  !  the  subject 's  vast, 
Yet  comprehensible  to  Thee ; 

Things  present,  things  to  come,  things  past, 
Thou  dost  in  clearest  order  see. 

The  floods,  in  solemn  cadence  speak, 
The  mighty  grandeur  of  Thy  power ; 

The  flowers,  in  form  and  feature  meek, 
Make  mention  of  Thy  love  each  hour. 

But  without  pardon  through  Thy  son, 
We  sinners  well  might  dread  to  die ; 

Yes,  dread  to  live,  with  wrath  alone 
Still  hanging  o'er  us  from  on  high. 

Now  are  salvation's  joys  secure, 

Thou  God,  the  holy  honour's  Thine ; 

Thy  love,  Thy  promises  are  sure, 
Thy  love  makes  every  promise  mine. 


HOPES  AND  YEARNINGS  HEAVENWARD.      67 


MORNING  HYMN. 

Father !  we  rise  to  bless, 
Thy  plenitude  and  grace  j 

That  fed  with  joy  our  weariness, 
To  fresh  pursue  life's  race. 

Through  the  dark  night,  we  shared, 
The  shelter  of  Thy  love; 

No  piercing  pain,  no  danger  dared, 
The  sweet  defence  remove. 

How  noble  was  Thy  power, 

To  favor  mortals  so ; 
To  thus  provide  a  healthful  bower, 

Where  frames  fatigued  may  go. 

Oh  !  may  we  always  taste, 
When  on  our  bed  we  lie, 

That  life  is  not  an  arid  waste, 
Since  Jesus  is  so  nigh 

Father !  direct  our  feet, 

Through  all  remaining  days; 

May  all  our  acts  Thy  love  repeat, 
And  all  our  heart  be  praise. 


68  sacred  lyrics;  or, 


HYMN. 

THE  LOVE  OF  JESUS  STILL  OFFERED  TO  THE  UNTHANKFUL. 

Why  am  I  still  within  the  reach. 

Of  a  Redeemer's  love  ? 
Surely  such  grace  my  soul  should  teach, 

To  lift  her  hopes  above. 

Still  I  am  lingering  'neath  the  bow, 

Of  promise  set  on  high ; 
Permitted  to  observe  and  know, 

His  hand,  his  friendship  nigh. 

And  am  I  still  inclined  to  sin  ? 

Still  do  I  mock  His  word  ? 
Cannot  such  gentle  mercy  win 

My  soul  to  love  the  Lord  ? 

How  obdurate  this  heart  must  be, 

Its  enmity  how  deep, 
Or  it  would  there  His  glory  see, 

And  here  His  precepts  keep. 

Since  Jesus  still  his  love  extends, 

0  let  me  grasp  that  love ; 
And  prize  the  messages  He  sends, 

Commanding  me  above. 


HOPES  AND  YEARNINGS  HEAVENWARD.      69 


EPITAPH. 

"  Mother  embrace  me,"  was  His  last  request, 
And  thus  he  died  upon  his  mother's  breast ; 
But  sweeter  far,  oh  state  of  loftier  charms, 
He  died  enfolded  by  his  Saviour's  arms. 
When  Jesus  gives  we  for  continuance  pray, 
Should  we  not  bless  Him  though  He  takes  away  ':' 


THE  RIVULET. 

In  a  grassy  dell  a  rivulet  strayed, 

And  the  nodding  crest  of  each  quivering  blade, 

Bent  lowly  down  to  bestow  a  kiss, 

On  the  current's  face,  or  impart  a  bliss, 

Which  truest  friends,  in  a  custom  sweet, 

Derive  from  each  other  as  oft  they  meet. 

A  kiss   was  all,  and  the  stream  swept  by 

With  its  lustre  and  its  melody. 

I  looked,  behold,  the  channel  was  bare, 
And  the  noonday  sun  with  appalling  glare, 
Had  shrivelled   the  flowers,  and  withered  the 

grass, 
And  turned  the  depths  to  a  dark  morass. 
And  swarming  reptiles  crawled  around, 
And  tracked  with  their  slime  the  fetid  ground. 
Methought  the  rivulet  well  portrayed, 
True  virtue  as  in  beauty  it  strayed, 
And  the  path  of  horrid  vice  was  seen, 
In  the  dark  morass  and  sedgy  green. 
7 


SACRED   LYRICS  :    OR, 


HYMN. 

TRANQUIL   DEPARTURE. 

How  beautiful  the  daylight  dies. 

Down  in  the  crimsoned  west, 
"While  the  soft  clouds  that  skirt  the  skies, 

Receive  it  on  their  breast. 

Then,  gently  wafting  farther  still, 

It  tranquilly  departs ', 
Far  over  airy  plain  and  hill, 

Its  lingering  glory  darts. 

Thus  let  me  die,  while  pinions  fair 

Assemble  to  convey, 
Grently  through  gilded  fields  of  air, 

My  tranquil  soul  away. 

And  up  my  track  love's  crimson  cloud, 

Wafted  from  glory  roll, 
'Till  on  the  peaks  of  Eden  proud, 

It  set  my  raptured  soul. 


HOPES  AND  YEARNINGS  HEAVENWARD. 


HYMN. 

THE    SINNER'S  ESTIMATION  OP    HIS  SAVIOUR'S    LOVE 

Dear  Jesus,  I  esteem  Thy  love, 
My  glory  here,  my  joy  above ; 
Though  bound  in  chains  of  grief,  I  lie, 
I  share  Thy  glory  in  the  sky. 

Yes,  if  attached  to  Thy  dear  name, 
I'll  count  as  nothing  curse  and  shame; 
But  with  the  ransomed  of  the  race, 
Run  the  blest  road  of  joy  and  grace. 

Thy  counsels  shall  instruct  my  feet, 
Thy  statutes  are  like  honey, — sweet ; 
Wisdom  and  honour  crown  Thy  brow, 
And  sweet  hosannas  greet  Thee  now. 

Yes  !  'tis  the  wonder  of  Thy  grace, 
That  sinners  may  behold  Thy  face ; 
Oh,  how  ungrateful  is  the  heart, 
That  can  from  such  dear  love  depart. 


72  SACRED   LYRICS  ;    OR, 


HYMN. 

THE   PERFECTIONS    OF   GOD    KNOWN   IN  HIS    WORKS. 

Behold  !  how  wonderful  His  works, 
From  whom  creation's  glories  came ; 

No  terror  through  their  windings  lurks, 
The  Lord,  our  Righteousness,  His  name. 

The  glorious  grandeur  of  the  sky, 
Was  fashioned  by  His  mighty  hand ; 

And  each  intelligence  on  high, 
Is  subject  to  His  wise  command. 

Hermon  refreshed  by  dazzling  dew, 
Is  too  inferior  for  His  throne; 

Jerusalem,  though  fair  to  view, 
He  will  not  for  His  temple  own. 

His  praise  is  in  the  spirit  meek ; 

His  worship,  the  repentant  prayer ; 
Such  as  the  Saviour  choose  to  seek, 

Shall  find  His  constant  presence  there. 


HOPES  AND  YEARNINGS  HEAVENWARD. 


HYMN. 


FORGIVENESS    IN    CHRIST. 

Jesus  is  instant  to  forgive, 

Why  distant  from  his  mercy  live  ? 
But  one  kind  Saviour  has  been  given, 

To  guide  our  tottering  feet  to  heaven. 

"  Look  unto  me,"  is  Christ's  request, 
Comply,  and  be  completely  blest  J 

Grace  in  profusion  there  is  given, 
Our  solace  to  the  gates  of  heaven. 

And  while  we  journey,  hope  is  shed, 
On  every  drooping  heart  and  head  ; 

Oh,  what  an  earnest  thus  is  given, 
Of  our  eternal  peace  in  heaven  ! 

Now  we  arrive  and  are  set  down, 
The  heirs  of  glory  and  a  crown  j 

Our  songs  in  sweetest  volume  given, 
Because  we  are  secure  in  heaven. 


74  SACRED    LYRICS  ;    OR, 


HYMN. 

TRANQUILITY    SOOTHING    TO    THE    RELIGIOUS    SPIRIT. 

The  silence  of  Thy  holy  place, 
How  soothing  to  the  worried  breast ; 
Sorrow,  beyond  those  precincts  stays, 
And  mercy  sanctifies  that  rest. 

In  smooth  tranquillity  he  sits, 
And  watches  for  some  glorious  sign ; 
How  swiftly  each  sweet  moment  flits, 
While  faith's  rich  pleasures  rise  divine. 

To  contemplate  the  things  above, 
And  partial  glories  there  survey ; 
To  linger  at  the  throne  of  love, 
And  long  with  those  delights  to  stay : 

These  make  the  moments  swiftly  flow, 
Thus  joy  in  fast  recurrence  flies  ; 
But  when  set  free  from  earth,  we  know 
Our  joy's  forever  in  the  skies. 


HOPES  AND  YEARNINGS  HEAVENWARD. 


HYMN. 

"THE    LORD    IS    MY    SHEPHERD." 

How  sweet  to  my  ear  is  that  message  from  glory, 
The  Saviour  hath  sent  it  to  brighten  my  lot ; 
'Tis  the  same  that  was  given  to  Patriarchs  hoary, 
'Tis  beautiful  still,  sung  in  palace  or  cot. 

Embalmed  in  the  Bible,  a  great  consolation, 
Flows  out  to  the  heart  that  delights  in  its  truth, 
'Tis  the  harbinger  fair  of  a  promised  salvation, 
As  lovely  to  manhood  as  blithe,  rosy  youth. 

u  The  Lord  is  my  Shepherd," — His  flock  he  is 

leading, 
Through  temptation,  swamps,  to  His  love-guarded 

fold, 
Where  the   sheep   of  His  mercy,  securely  are 

feeding, 
And  the  wolf,  Persecution,  no  longer  is  bold. 

From  the  valley,  He  leads  His  meek  lambs  to 
the  mountain, 

Where  the  river  of  life  gushes  out  from  its  side ; 

A  cooling,  refreshing,  perrennial,  bright  foun- 
tain, 

Giving  strength  to  the  flock  which  partakes  of 
its  tide. 


lb  SACRED    LYRICS;    OR, 

That  flock  !  see  it  struggles, — it  climbs, — oh,  it 

reaches, 
The  broad  table-land  of  fruition  above ; 
And    Jesus,   the   Shepherd,   each   timid  lamb 

teaches, 
By  the  peace  which  He  gives,  the  great  depths 

of  His  love. 


HYMN. 

THANKS  FOR  THE  REDEMPTION  PURCHASED  AT  CALVARY, 

"  Blessed  be  God,"  let  sinners  cry, 

Who  feel  His  love  within, 
A  balm  for  every  malady, 

A  sure  relief  for  sin. 

Satan  induced  them  to  repel 

God's  proffered  mercy,  long; 
Each  step  they  took,  increased  the  spell, 

And  made  the  slavery  strong. 

Blind  and  beguiled,  they  wandered  forth, 

Reckless  of  God  and  man ; 
To  breathe  along  the  mourning  earth, 

Sin's  most  terrific  ban. 

A  light  from  glory  filled  their  way  ; 

A  voice  like  that  which  came, 
Saul's  persecuting  hand  to  stay, 

Called  each  bold  rebel's  name. 


HOPES  AND  YEARNINGS  HEAVENWARD.      I  i 

Whence  came  the  light,  and  whence  the  call  1 

Jesus,  the  question  solved ; 
Love,  mercy,  peace,  flowed  forth  to  all, 

Around  each  heart  revolved. 

«  Blessed  be  God,"  they  shout,  and  sing ; 
Nor  will  they  entertain, 
The  smallest  insult  to  their  King, 
To  spoil  His  holy  reign. 


HYMN. 

THE   SOUL   AWAKENED. 

The  night  hung  dark  above  the  rocking  mast, 
Black  billows  roaring,  rushed  the  vessel  past ; 
And  lurid  lightning  seething  in  the  wave, 
Showed  in  the  deep,  a  yawning,  foam-lashed  cave. 

No  star,  no  compass,  sails  to  ribbons  torn, 
On  stranger-waves  at  accident  quick  borne ; 
Now  some  tall  billow  tossed  it  to  the  sky, 
While  the  frail  vessel  reeled  in  agony. 

No  star,  no  mcon, — night's  unembellished  pall, 
Stretched  eastward,  westward,  drooping  over  all ; 
While  spar  and  bulwark,  driven  by  the  sea, 
Danced  on  the  surges  in  wild  revelry. 

The  crash  of  thunder  in  the  threatening  clouds, 
Leapt  from  its  birth  place  to  the  quivering  shrouds  j 
The  distant  muttering  of  the  breakers  thrilled, 
To  wild  alarm,  to  sullen  horror  chilled. 


78  SACEED    LTKICS  ;    OR, 

But  morning  opened;  on  the  vessel's  side, 
A  form  appeared,  the  sea,  the  storm  to  chide ; 
That  driven  vessel  was  my  trembling  soul, 
That  form  was  Jesus,  who  observed  the  whole. 


HYMN. 

CONSECRATION   TO   THE    SERVICE    OF    GOD. 

The  seal  is  set,  my  soul  I  give, 

Eternal  God,  to  Thee ; 
To  serve  Thy  purpose  while  I  live, 

And  thy  co-worker  be. 

Send  from  Thy  mercy-seat,  the  grace 
That  strengthens  and  sustains  ; 

Lest  I  should  stumble  in  the  race, 
And  perish  'neath  its  pains. 

The  Holy  Comforter  bestow, 

Here  let  His  power  abide  ; 
And  as  I  to  new  duties  go, 

Be  present  at  my  side. 

The  sweetness  of  a  Saviour's  love, 

May  it  constrain  my  heart ; 
And  daily,  from  its  source  above, 

New  energy  impart. 

Then,  Lord,  through  all  my  service  here, 

Thy  holy  help  I'll  sing; 
And  when  in  glory  I  appear, 

Shall  sweetest  praises  bring. 


HOPES  AND  YEARNINGS  HEAVENWARD. 


HYMN. 

HEAVEN  FREE  FROM  DEATH  AND  SORROW. 

We  seek  a  country,  deathless,  free, 
Whose  situation  saints  may  see ; 
On  either  side,  from  all  around, 
Sweet  odors  rise,  sweet  praises  sound. 

Jehovah,  there,  is  not  ashamed, 
To  be  by  His  true  servants  named ; 
He  lov'd  them  while  they  walked  beneath, 
And  dearly  cherished  them  in  death. 

That  which  we  need,  He  will  afford, 
Because  He  is  our  gracious  Lord ; 
The  boundaries  of  that  dear  land, 
"Were  fixed  by  His  own  glorious  hand. 

We  are  but  pilgrims,  strangers,  here, 
In  heaven  we  shortly  shall  appear, 
And,  introduced  to  that  dear  clime, 
Bid  farewell  to  the  things  of  time. 


80  sacred  lyrics;  or, 


HYMN. 


Faith  is  the  cordial  of  the  heart, 
Faith  quickens  each  reluctant  part ; 
Faith  animates,  sustains,  revives, 
On  Faith  the  sinking  spirit  thrives. 

Faith  draws  the  cloud  which  hangs  between 
The  things  perceived  and  unseen ; 
Peers  in  the  glories  known  above, 
Bathes  in  the  ocean  of  His  love. 

Faith  comforts  Hope,  twin  sister  true, 
Brings  stores  of  gospel  wealth  to  view ; 
Mounts  on  an  angel's  circling  wing, 
Swift  to  the  palace  of  her  King. 

Hope,  without  Faith,  decays  and  dies, 
Relinquishes  her  heavenly  prize ; 
Vain  treasures  of  the  world  below, 
Amuse  her  with  their  dazzling  show. 

Hope,  without  Jesus,  is  a  name, 
A  lamp  unkindled  by  a  flame, 
A  flower,  no  fragrance  has  possessed, 
A  bird,  without  its  down-walled  nest  : 


HOPES  AND  YEARNINGS  HEAVENWARD.      81 

A  wave,  whose  crest  is  froth  and  foam, 
A  traveller,  without  friends  or  home, 
A  vapor  tossed  upon  the  air, 
A  tree,  of  fruit  and  foliage  bare. 

Faith  is  the  avenue  to  bliss ; 
They  who  seek  others  walk  amiss ; 
The  passage,  Christ  hath  signified, 
Though  fools  its  narrow  path  deride. 

Faith,  (Christ  supported,)  calmly  goes, 
Up  with  the  saint  to  his  repose ; 
Associate,  how  lovely,  pure ! 
Her  crowning  glory,  oh  how  sure. 

Grant,  precious  Saviour,  that  I  may, 
Pursue  with  love  this  narrow  way, 
Lay  in  the  grave  my  armour  down, 
To  wear  a  faithful  warrior's  crown. 


82  SACRED    LYRICS  ;    OR, 


HYMN. 
god's  assurances  and  promises. 

Father  !  who  shall  behold  Thy  face, 

Who  shall  Thy  glory  share  ? 
u  They  who  delighted  in  My  grace, 

They  shall  in  truth  be  there. 

"  Dost  thou  not  know,  oh  man,  my  love 

Is  faithful,  rich  and  free  ; 
And  while  my  kingdom  stands  above, 

They  shall  rejoice  in  me  ? 

"  Lest  some  dear  tempted  saint  should  slip, 

The  Comforter  I  send  ; 
He  doth  the  language  of  each  lip, 

Each  open  act  attend. 

«  He  softens  and  persuades  the  heart, 
When  pains  and  griefs  abound  ; 

Prevents  unfriendly  fears  to  start, 
Unfriendly  sighs  to  sound. 

"  In  my  good  time  their  souls  I  bring, 

When  mortal  nature  dies, 
Where  saints  in  upper  glory  sing, 

And  airs  celestial  rise." 


HOPES    AND    YEARNINGS    HEAVENWAED.  83 


HYMN. 


FOREVER 


Forever  !  who  shall  sound  the  sea 
Of  infinite  immensity  ? 
What  eye  excursive  can  explore 
The  windings  of  that  awful  shore  ? 

Forever  !  theme  immensely  great ! 
Who  may  the  mystery  relate, 
And  all  its  hidden  wonders  know, 
The  height  of  glory,  depth  of  woe. 

Forever  !  in  the  home  on  high, 
More  glorious  than  the  glittering  sky ; 
Or  with  accursed  fiends  to  dwell, 
Chained  in  the  prison-house  of  hell. 

Forever  !  Jesus,  guide  my  feet, 

That  death  may  prove  a  change  most  sweet, 

And  I,  emancipated,  find, 

My  Saviour,  G-od,  forever  kind. 


84  SACRED    LYRICS  :    OR, 


HYMN. 

THE   SPLENDOURS   OF   CHRIST'S    KINGDOM. 

Lord  !  we  have  heard,  we  here  proclaim, 
The  glory  of  Thy  state,  Thy  name  \ 
In  grandeur  and  in  beauty  rise, 
Thy  stately  splendours  to  the  skies. 

How  happy  must  Thy  angels  be, 
Who  Thy  surpassing  honours  see ; 
And  in  the  brightness  of  Thy  hand, 
Clothed  with  eternal  beauty  stand. 

There  they  recite,  and  far  convey, 
The  joy  of  that  salubrious  day, 
Around  Thy  throne,  before  Thy  feet, 
A  large,  adoring,  army  meet. 

Such  loveliness  Thy  saints  shall  wear, 
When  they  behold  and  praise  Thee  there ; 
Such  bliss  shall  circle  those  above, 
The  children  of  Thy  earthly  love. 


HOPES  AND  YEARNINGS  HEAVENWARD.      85 


HYMN. 

THE    WATERS    OF    SALVATION    FREE    AND    INVITING. 

Come  to  the  waters  of  His  love, 
Here  like  a  river  see  it  roll ; 

Its  source  of  purity's  above, 
Its  subject  every  human  soul. 

Why  will  you  tarry  by  the  way, 
And  nature's  poisoned  waters  lave ; 

Your  soul,  oh  sinner,  will  you  slay, 
And  sin's  eternal  anguish  brave? 

The  Spirit  calls  you  by  His  grace, 

The  gentle  Saviour  says,  "oh  come;" 
And  God,  with  kind  and  lovely  face, 
Sends  messengers  to  win  you  home. 

There  is  no  home,  secluded,  sweet, 
No  spot  of  comfort  and  repose, 

But  pardon  at  His  mercy  seat, 

And  full  deliverance  from  His  foes. 

8* 


86  SACRED   LYRICS  ;    OR, 


HYMN. 

LONGING  FOR  THE  SERVICES  OF  THE  SANCTUARY. 

0  Lord  of  Hosts,  supremely  high, 
The  glory  of  the  sea  and  sky  ; 
Here  my  soul  longeth,  yea  it  faints, 
For  the  communion  of  Thy  saints. 

What  grateful  pleasures  gush  and  fill 
Thy  happy  courts  on  Zion's  hill; 
How  strong  Thy  weakest  people  prove, 
When  they  partake  of  holy  love. 

Blessings  spring  up  and  wander  wide, 
Where  God  hath  chosen  to  abide ; 
He  fixes  His  eternal  rest, 
'Mong  those  of  faith  and  love  possest. 

How  wonderful  His  love  to  man  ! 
Perfection  marks  the  gracious  plan ; 
Here  may  the  sinner  come  and  know, 
Pleasures  from  piety  which  flow. 


HOPES  AND  YEARNINGS  HEAVENWARD. 


THE  GREAT  JOURNEY. 

There's  a  journey  to  all  who  have  sprung  from 

the  dust, 
Not  glory,  or  grandeur,  or  titles  august, 
Or  princely  domains,  or  dominions  of  gold, 
Or  wealth  in  the  pride  of  inheritance  bold, 
Or  valiant  achievements,  or  conquests,  or  fame, 
Or  victories  bloody,  or  whirlwinds  of  flame, 
Can  save  from  the  penalty,  deaden  the  pang, 
Which  always  around  this  one  journey  must  hang. 
One  journey  to  all,  which  each  sinner  must  tread, 
It  leads  to  the  silent  abodes  of  the  dead. 
The  journey  of  death  !  should  we  tread  it  aright? 
'Tis  the  vestibule  dim  of  a  temple  of  light, 
Where  angels,  archangels,  and  saints  justified, 
Along  the  cool  galleries,  ceaselessly  glide ; 
'Tis  the  entrance  to  glory;  we  cannot  attain 
The  rapture  extended  on  heaven's  bright  plain ; 
We  cannot  ascend  those  high  mountains  of  bliss, 
Where  breezes  of  Eden  Christ's  ransomed  ones 

kiss; 
We  cannot  see  Jesus  unless  we  pass  through, 
This  road  which  commands  an  eternity-view ; 
The  journey  accomplished,  lo  !  nothing  remains, 
But  happiness  high  as  eternity's  strains. 


88  SACRED    LYRICS;    OR, 


HYxMN. 

THE   LONG    SUFFERING   KINDNESS    OF   JEHOVAH. 

Touch  Thou  my  lips  that  I  may  speak, 
The  wonders  of  Thy  truth  aloud ; 

Comfort  and  mercy  to  the  meek, 
But  dark  destruction  to  the  proud. 

Thou  art  a  God  of  righteousness, 
Sin  is  offensive  in  Thy  sight ; 

Thou  canst  not  the  offender  bless, 
Or  view  his  trespass  with  delight. 

'Tis  of  Thy  mercy  sinners  stand ; 

Oh  how  amazing  is  Thy  grace ; 
One  blow  of  Thy  almighty  hand, 

Would  blast  to  utter  woe  our  race. 

Create  a  purer  heart  within ; 

Restore  my  spirit  to  Thy  love ; 
Cleanse  me  from  trespasses  and  sin, 

Remove  me  to  Thy  rest  above. 


HOPES  AND  YEARNINGS  HEAVENWARD.      89 


HYMN. 

THE   PRESERVATION    OF    THE    SOUL   THROUGH    DANGERS. 

Preserved  from  peril,  woe,  and  harm, 
This  day  I  unto  sinners  prove, 

The  power  of  Thy  protecting  arm, 
The  constancy  of  Thy  dear  love. 

Each  pleasure  that  engaged  my  heart, 
Might  have  contributed  my  pain ; 

My  Grod,  how  very  kind  Thou  art, 
And  I,  ungentle,  false,  and  vain. 

This  moment  doth  declare  Thy  grace, 
And  witnesses  Thy  love  abroad  ; 

In  each  occurrence  may  I  trace, 
The  tender  mercies  of  my  God. 

Oh  that  my  soul  might  thus  be  led, 
Well  to  consider  all  her  ways  j 

And  to  her  King,  her  joy,  her  Head, 
Extend  the  music  of  her  praise. 


90 


SACRED    LYRICS  ;    OR, 


HYMN. 


FAITH    IN    EXERCISE. 


Jesus  is  ever  found, 

Where  faith's  keen  vision  bends ; 
Where'er  she  walks  is  holy  ground, 

Peopled  by  loving  friends. 

By  faith,  the  Lord  we  see, 

When  darkness  shrouds  the  soul; 

By  faith,  we  hear  sweet  minstrelsy, 
When  storms  and  tempests  roll. 

By  faith,  with  angels  talk, 

When  faggots  scorch  the  frame ; 

Through  sweltering  seas  of  torture  walk, 
Careless  of  sword  or  flame. 

By  faith,  we  still  survey, 
The  glorious  fruits  in  store  ; 

The  bright,  unchanging,  perfect  day, 
The  broad,  saint-trodden  shore. 

By  faith,  we  hear  the  call, 

And  hasten  to  depart, 
Where  Jesus  shall  be  all  in  all, 

To  the  rejoicing  heart. 


HOPES  AND  YEARNINGS  HEAVENWARD.      91 


HYMN. 

SUBMISSION   TO    THE    WILL    OF    PROVIDENCE. 

Lord  !  as  Thou  wilt  direct  my  way, 
For  meek  submission  hence  I  pray ; 
Upheld  by  Thy  almighty  love, 
I  must  attain  Thy  joy  above. 

This  moment  whispers  of  Thy  grace  ; 
Lord,  would  I  seek  some  holy  place, 
I  have  but  to  look  up,  by  prayer, 
And  see  a  faithful  Saviour  there. 

For  sweet  direction  for  my  feet 
I  plead )  all  Thy  directions  sweet; 
Assure  my  soul  by  Thee  'tis  given, 
And  I'll  pursue  Thy  path  to  heaven. 

So  shall  I  live,  (such  strength  bestow,] 
To  prove  Thy  power  and  grace  below ; 
And,  dying,  bear  my  humble  claim, 
To  the  salvation  in  Thy  name. 


92  SACRED    LYRICS  ;    OR, 


HYMN. 

god's  faithfulness  a  subject  for  rejoicing. 

Rejoice,  ye  saints,  with  gladness  rise, 
Communion  hold  with  Him  above  ; 

The  monarch  of  all  worlds  and  skies, 
God  of  all  creatures,  and  of  love. 

He  will  not  frown  you  from  His  side, 
He  urges,  he  entreats  you  there ; 

Yea,  to  attest  it,  Jesus  died, 

And  God  its  sacred  truth  did  swear. 

That  fellowship  with  God,  how  sweet, 
Thus  Abraham  and  Elisha  found ; 

That  God  should  stand,  our  souls  to  greet, 
How  kind,  how  wonderful,  profound. 

Soon  as  by  faith  we  seek  His  face, 
Unmeasured  mercy  we  receive ; 

Jesus,  how  gentle  are  Thy  ways ! 
Now  let  us  love,  accept,  believe. 


HOPES  AND  YEARNINGS  HEAVENWARD.      93 


LINES  ON  A  LOST  LOVED  ONE. 

Yes,  she  is  dead !  the  rose  so  sweetly  scented, 
Pressed  by  a  dew-drop,  broke  its  parent  stem  ; 
She  faded  gently,  loved,  resigned,  lamented, 
Her  lips  half-parted  by  a  smile  contented, 
All  praise  contemn. 

Yes,  she  is  dead  !  the  ripple  softly  swelling, 
Sank  into  foam  upon  the  distant  shore  \ 
Lonely,  ah,  lonely,  is  her  cottage-dwelling, 
And  friendship  lingers,  of  her  beauty  telling 
That  beams  no  more. 

Yes,  she  is  dead  !  the  zephyr  kindly  wooing, 
Whispers  and  mingles  in  the  expanse  of  air ; 
Her  look,  her  loveliness,  the  sense  bedewing, 
The  eye  entrances,  veils  its  steady  viewing, 
Its  ruthless  glare. 

Yes,  she  is  dead  !  the  star  that  shone  at  even, 
Faded,  how  glorious,  in  the  spangled  sea ; 
She,  less  remote  from  her  long  cherished  heaven, 
Shone  all  resplendent,  welcome,  loved,  forgiven, 
Angelic,  free. 
9 


94  SACRED    LYRICS  ;    OR, 


HYMN. 

THE   WEAKNESS    OF   MAN'S   EFFORTS. 

Our  strength  is  weakness  to  His  power, 
My  soul !  thy  fearful  tremblings  cease  ; 

G-od  has  sustained  thee  to  this  hour, 
And  can  establish  thee  in  peace. 

Trust  we  in  friendship,  friends  may  fail, 
And  kindred  may  desert  our  ways  ; 

Joined  to  the  Father,  we  prevail, 
And  faith  reiterates  His  praise. 

Born  of  the  Spirit,  we  rejoice, 

In  prospect  of  eternal  bliss ; 
Faith  lifts  her  hand,  her  eye,  her  voice, 

To  brighter,  fairer  worlds  than  this. 

Short  season,  'till  our  souls  shall  stand, 
In  humble  reverence  at  His  feet; 

And  with  a  gentle,  holy  band, 
His  conduct  of  long  love  repeat. 


HOPES  AND  YEARNINGS  HEAVENWARD.      9§ 

HYMN. 

THE    WORLD   A  WILDERNESS    TO    THE    HEAVEN-SEEKING. 

Far  in  a  dry  and  thirsty  land, 
'Mid  fading  happiness  I  stand, 
And  mourn  my  wants  and  woes ; 
Decay  and  danger  gird  my  way, 
Disturb  my  peace  the  livelong  day, 
And  break  my  night's  repose. 

The  winds,  surcharged  with  sudden  death, 
Bear  to  my  cheek  their  poisoned  breath, 
And  check  the  fervor  there ) 
The  very  sunshine  seems  to  be 
A  weapon  of  mortality, 
Destruction's  doom  to  bear. 

Within  this  breast  there's  scarce  a  hope, 

For  terror,  with  alarming  scope, 

Has  bid  its  pleasure  die ; 

I  seldom  dare  indulge  the  bliss, 

The  foretaste  of  that  holiness, 

Administered  on  high. 

This  land  I  travel ;  now  I  see, 

The  glories  of  eternity, 

Expand  my  faith  before ; 

And  martyrs,  prophets,  saints,  pursue 

Their  worship,  as  their  forms  I  view, 

Defiled  by  sense  no  more. 


96  SACRED    LYRICS  ;    OR, 

Oh  this  is  pleasure,  bliss  supreme, 
Say,  is  it  not  a  passing  dream  ? 
Oh  no,  'tis  faith's  delight ; 
There  is  a  glorious  home  above, 
There  are  long  pleasures  left  to  love, 
Soon  I  shall  share  the  sight. 


HYMN. 

THE  PRAYERS  OF  GOD'S  PEOPLE  VERY  PRECIOUS. 

How  precious  are  the  prayers  which  rise, 
From  contrite  sinner's  tongue; 

More  pleasing  in  the  Father's  eyes, 
Than  mirth's  unholy  song. 

Through  nights  of  languishment  and  woe, 

Their  lonely  sighs  ascend ; 
Bright  angels  to  their  rescue  go, 

Above  their  pillows  bend. 

'Tis  their  great  joy  to  fly  and  bear 

Some  mercy  from  above  ; 
And  pour  the  oil  of  gladness  there, 

Perfumed  with  Jesus'  love. 

Jesus  ne'er  leaves  them  to  decline  ; 

Though  sinners  scorn  His  face, 
Saints  he  assures, — "  Since  ye  are  mine, 

Ye  shall  possess  my  grace." 


HOPES  AND  YEARNINGS  HEAVENWARD. 

Thus  is  their  death  the  dawn  of  life. 
The  dawn  of  bliss  on  high  ; 

Finished  !  the  long  and  painful  strife. 
At  once  to  heaven  they  fly. 


HYMN. 

EXPECTATION  OF  PEACE  AND  GLORY  BEYOND 
THE  GRAVE. 

Drawn  from  the  world,  I  strive  to  soar, 
Where  doubts  distress  the  soul  no  more ; 
Oh  that  I  might  possess  above, 
Thy  peace,  Thy  glory,  and  Thy  love. 

The  time,  though  lingering,  shall  arrive, 
My  soul  with  God  and  angels  live  ; 
Pains,  penalties,  and  dark  distress, 
May  never  mar  my  holiness. 

Jesus  I  shall  with  pleasure  vieft ) 
He  helps  me  all  my  journey  through ; 
And  God  the  Father  I'll  embrace, 
A  son,  made  reconciled  by  grace. 

Then  shall  my  joy,  my  rest,  begin, 
Because  discharged  from  pain  and  sin ; 
And  peace  forever  more  be  given, 
My  Father's  own  calm  peace  in  heaven. 
9* 


98  8ACRED   LYRICS  ;    OR, 


HYMN. 

FAITH   A   REMEDY   FOR   THE    SOUL   IX   AFFLICTION. 

By  faith,  my  Saviour,  God,  I  view, 
Forgetful  of  distress  and  pain, 

He  is  my  staff  my  journey  through, 
His  strength  I  never  seek  in  vain. 

There  is  a  sure  reward  above, 
For  all  our  service  in  His  name  ; 

It  is  the  rich  reward  of  love, 

Now  and  forever  more  the  same. 

Whilst  we  were  strangers  to  His  face, 
The  Lord  of  glory  died  for  man  j 

Not  one  of  all  the  mortal  race, 
His  power  excluded  from  the  plan. 

9 
He  calls,  but  oh,  if  man  refuse, 

There  is  no  ray  of  mercy  more ; 
If  once  the  glittering  crown  ye  lose, 
The  day  of  hope  and  pardon's  o'er. 

Why  will  ye,  wretched  sinners,  die  ? 

Come  to  His  mercy-seat  to  day ; 
Come,  in  true  faith  His  love  apply, 

And  purge  your  every  woe  away. 


HOPES    AND    YEARNINGS    HEAVENWARD.  99 


HYMN. 

THE    WRATH   OF   GOD   REMOVED    BY    THE    BLOOD 
OF    JESUS. 

The  death  of  Jesus  left 

A  testimony  sure, 
Of  wrath  divine  by  love  bereft ; 

And  shall  by  grace  endure. 

His  wounds  the  symbols  are, 

Of  entrance  full  and  free ; 
There's  mercy  speaking  from  each  scar, 

Addressed  to  such  as  we. 

The  misery  of  dread, 

Would  still  our  hearts  o'erhang, 
Had  Christ  refused  ourselves  instead, 

To  suffer  death's  sharp  pang. 

Rich  was  the  grace  that  shone, 
Around  his  thorn-pierced  brow ; 

Brighter  on  His  ascension  throne, 
Beams  His  full  glory  now. 


100  SACKED   LYRICS  ;    OR, 


HYMN. 

THE   RESURRECTION. 

Raised  in  glory  from  the  tomb, 
Praises  shall  these  lips  resume ; 
Airs  celestial  cool  the  brow, 
Bent  in  supplication  now. 

Raised  in  glory  !  calm  above, 
Feasting  on  a  Saviour's  love ) 
None  but  God  such  grace  could  plan, 
Suitable  and  sweet  to  man. 

Raised  in  glory  !  though  our  dust, 
Sown  in  weakness,  wait  its  trust ; 
Joyous  it  shall  wake  on  high, 
Nevermore  to  wane  and  die. 

Raised  in  glory  !  there  to  shine, 
With  a  long  and  royal  line ; 
Reign  with  kings,  with  prophets  dwell, 
Heaven's  angelic  chorus  swell. 

Raised  in  glory  !  to  rejoice, 
At  His  convocation  voice ; 
Through  eternity  to  sing, 
Hallelujahs  to  the  King. 


HOPES    AND    YEARNINGS    HEAVENWARD.  101 


HYMN. 
CALL   TO    REPENTANCE. 

Repent !  the  door  stands  open  wide, 
And  God  is  gracious,  gentle,  mild ; 

The  Saviour  at  the  Father's  side, 
Entreats — "  Oh  be  ye  reconciled/' 

Repent !  decrepitude  and  age, 
May  hinder  the  attainment  soon; 

Wealth,  honour,  fame,  your  zeal  engage, 
Or  quench  in  utter  night  your  noon. 

Repent !  there's  mercy  with  the  Lord, 
Jesus  is  your  unfaltering  friend ; 

His  blood  on  the  poor  sinner  poured, 
Doth  rich  salvation  there  extend. 

Repent !  and  then  rejoice  in  love  ; 

None  but  the  faithless  should  repine  j 
Oh  sinner  !  there  is  joy  above  ; 

Say  !  will  you  that  great  joy  decline  ? 

Repent  and  love  Him  for  His  grace, 
Each  soul  Jehovah's  cherished  heir ) 

Sway  some  bright  kingdom  in  His  place, 
And  crowns  celestial,  glorious,  wear. 


102  SACRED   LYRICS  ;    OR, 


HYMN. 

JESUS,  UNFAILING   SOURCE  OF   STRENGTH  AND   COMFORT. 

Should  every  mortal  strength  decay, 
We  have  a  source  of  strength  above ; 

Jesus  our  glory  is  our  stay, 

We  gather  greatness  from  His  love. 

Our  wanderings  and  wild  alarms, 
The  Saviour  doth  restrain,  restore ; 

He  holds  apart  His  lovely  arms, 

And  whispers, — "  be  misled  no  more/' 

It  is  His  kindness  calls  our  feet, 
From  wretchedness  to  joy  on  high ; 

He  is  a  friend,  enduring,  sweet, 
Whose  love  forever  cannot  die. 

His  watchful  patience  shall  not  end, 
'Till  every  saint  His  glory  sees; 

His  care  doth  all  their  acts  attend, 
He  carries  out  their  promises. 


HOPES  AND  YEARNINGS  HEAVENWARD.     108 


HYMN. 

THE  PRESENT  TIME  THE  PROPER  TIME  FOR  REPENTANCE. 

Fair  is  the  present  hour  to  find, 
The  full  forgiveness  we  require; 

Yet  sinners,  to  their  danger  blind, 
Seldom  salvation's  paths  desire. 

Surely  if  God's  own  word  is  sure, 
They'll  need  a  gentle  Saviour  nigh, 

When  He  the  righteous,  just,  and  pure, 
Convenes  them  at  His  bar  on  high. 

Then,  if  deserted  of  His  grace, 

How  dreadful  shall  their  doom  be  known ; 
"  Ye  sinners  who  abhorred  my  face, 

Shall  to  deep  torments  hence  be  thrown." 

If  ye  would  listen  to  His  love, 

Oh  why  the  pleasant  hour  postpone  ? 

There  is  abundant  grace  above, 
Ye  may  abundant  glory  own. 


104  SACRED    LYRICS  :    OR, 


HYMN. 

THE    KINDNE&S    OF    GOD    MANIFEST    THROUGH    ALL    HI- 
PROVIDENCE. 

Howe'er  I  view  by  inward  sense, 
The  varied  pathway  1  have  trod, 

I  see  some  holy  providence, 

Some  kind  production  of  a  God. 

Thus  have  I  journeyed  and  been  led, 
And  thus  to  heavenly  heights  I  move ; 

God,  my  eternal  Sun,  doth  shed, 
O'er  all  my  road  His  ardent  love. 

His  providence,  how  gentle,  kind, 
For  thus  His  perfect  nature  is ; 

Though  devious  my  path  may  wind, 
'Tis  guarded  by  His  promises. 

Can  fears  and  foes  impede  my  race  ? 

All  foes  and  fears  His  grace  can  quell ; 
Yea,  change  His  foes  to  friends  by  grace, 

And  bid  them  in  His  glory  dwell. 


HOPES  AND  YEARNINGS  HEAVENWARD.     105 


HYMN. 

GOD,    THE    CHRISTIAN'S    GLORY. 

God  is  my  glory  and  delight, 
Forever  He  deserves  my  praise  ; 

He  dwells  in  habitations  bright, 
And  joy  distinguishes  His  ways. 

Lofty  are  all  His  works  to  man, 
Most  wise  are  all  His  statutes  too ; 

Too  high  for  mortal  sense  to  scan, 
Too  pure  for  nature  to  pursue. 

He  giveth  rain  to  shrinking  ground, 
He  sendeth  sunshine  to  the  field  ; 

Harvest  and  herbage  thrive  around, 
'A  thousand  welcome  beauties  yield. 

Maker  unsearchable  !  His  name ; 

Our  Father  !  His  ascription  just; 
True  to  His  glory  and  His  fame, 

True  to  our  confidence  and  trust. 

Set  us  where  we  may  see  Thy  face, 
Thy  voice  of  cherished  kindness  hear ; 

We  shall  attain  Thy  rest,  by  grace, 
And  in  Thy  glory,  Lord,  appear. 
10 


100  sacred  lyrics:  or, 


HYMN. 

CHRIST   AN   EVER-PRESENT    SAVIOUR. 

The  Lord  of  love,  the  God  of  peace, 
Doth  the  believer's  faith  increase; 
Forever  present,  He  sustains, 
His  church  'mid  dangers,  woes,  and  pains. 

Serene  and  beautiful,  His  love 

Doth  each  impediment  remove  ; 

The  Christian  walks  with  quickened  pace, 

Gladly  to  Zion's  holy  place. 

He  is  assured  when  he  ascends, 

Of  the  reception  of  a  friend  ; 

He  knows  the  Father  will  accept, 

The  child  who  His  commandments  kept. 

Vile  and  unworthy  though  he  be, 
He  says,  "  my  Saviour  cares  for  me/' 
Since  He  has  died  I  well  may  know, 
He  will  not  check  His  mercy's  flow. 

If  He  imputeth  to  my  soul, 

His  righteousness,  my  love  is  whole ; 

He  does  impute  it ;  I  believe 

His  promise, — and  His  faith  receive. 


HOPES  AND  YEARNINGS  HEAVENWARD.     101 


HYMN. 

THE    CHURCH    A   PASSAGE    TO    GLORY. 

0  glorious  season,  blissful  time, 

When  Israel  from  her  gloom  shall  rise, 

And  the  blest  grandeur  of  her  clime, 
Resemble  the  unclouded  skies. 

The  lion  and  the  lamb  shall  sit, 
And  play  with  infants  at  her  feet  ; 

The  savage  in  meek  love  submit, 

With  songs  her  gathered  glory  greet. 

Then  shall  the  wilderness  assume, 
Garments  of  beauty  and  delight ; 

With  flowers  of  sweetest  fragrance  bloom, 
And  burst  with  rivers  fair  and  bright. 

Her  holiness,  a  lovely  way, 

Shall  be  by  God's  dear  people  trod ; 
Their  voices  through  the  pleasant  day, 

The  sacred  night,  ascend  to  God. 

The  blessings  of  her  earthly  state, 
Her  privilege  and  honours  high, 

Shall  be  the  court,  and  holy  gate, 
Which  open  on  the  holier  sky. 


108  sacred  lyrics;  or, 


HYMN. 

JESUS  THE  GUIDE  AND  COMFORT  OF  THE  CONTRITE. 

Jesus  all  my  sorrows  knows, 
He  can  give  me  sweet  repose, 
Can  my  wounded  spirit  heal, 
Light  and  life,  and  joy  reveal; 

Bring  me  favor,  grant  me  grace, 
Visions  of  His  glorious  face, 
Can  renew  my  fainting  heart, 
Say  to  grief  and  sin,  depart. 

With  the  Father  intercede, 
All  His  Calvary  suffering's  plead, 
Wide  unfold  the  crystal  doors, 
Shew  me  entrance  to  the  shores, 

Paved  with  sapphire  ;  lead  the  way, 
Love  me,  teach  me  to  obey, 
Guide  me  from  the  paths  of  vice, 
For  my  feebleness  suffice ; 

Prove  me  by  His  mighty  power, 
Save  me  in  the  dying  hour ; 
Mission  angels  to  remove 
Me  to  yonder  home  above. 


HOPES  AND  YEARNINGS  HEAVENWARD.     10'.) 


HYMN. 

THE    GLORY   OF   OMNIPOTENCE. 

How  mighty,  how  majestic  He, 
The  God  that  fills  eternity  ! 
The  mountains  tremble  at  His  word, 
The  caverns  loud  confess  Him,  Lord. 

The  heav'ns  He  spread,  and  fixed  their  bounds, 
His  arm  immenser  wonders  sounds ; 
He  treads  the  waters  as  they  roar, 
And  rolls  their  fury  on  the  shore. 

Arcturus  and  the  genial  south, 
Regard  the  orders  of  His  mouth  \ 
He  guides  the  Pleiades  and  stars, 
And  nothing  His  blest  conduct  mars. 

Blessing  and  grace  are  His  delight ; 
His  brilliant  crown  shines  still  more  bright, 
"When  we  behold  the  chain  of  love, 
That  binds  us  to  His  care  above. 

If  'tis  so  pleasant  to  survey, 
Jehovah's  glorious  array ; 
What  rapture  should  our  doubts  displace, 
When  we  regard  His  reigning  grace. 
*10 


110  SACRED   LYRICS;    OR, 


HYMN. 


Prayer  is  the  pinion  of  the  soul, 

To  bear  it  up  on  high; 
Oh  what  ecstatic  anthems  roll, 

As  it  ascends  the  sky. 

Prayer  is  the  ocean  vast  and  deep, 
Where  sweet  affections  play ; 

How  vain  from  G-od's  dear  voice  to  keep, 
While  it  is  called  to  day. 

Prayer  is  the  pinnacle  of  power, 

How  happy  there  to  stand  ) 
While  Jesus  doth  rich  blessings  shower, 

O'er  all  the  wishful  land. 

Prayer  is  the  strong,  impressive  call, 

When  panting  nature  dies  ; 
In  Jesus  concentrates  our  all, 

And  on  His  truth  relies. 

Prayer  is  the  hand  that  grasps  His  love, 

The  love  to  sinners  given ; 
Establishes  their  hopes  above, 

And  swift  conducts  to  heaven. 


HOPES  AND  YEARNINGS  HEAVENWARD.     Ill 


HYMN. 

THE    SUFFICIENCY    OF    GOD. 

Wide  as  our  wishes  can  extend, 
Stretch  the  compassions  of  our  Friend  ; 
Jesus,  our  King,  our  joy  inspires, 
Beholds  and  blesses  our  desires. 

The  poor  he  furnishes  with  food, 
The  wretched  with  appropriate  good ; 
The  doubting  to  full  faith  restores, 
O'er  timid  saints  sweet  comfort  pours. 

Millions  divide  his  draughts  of  love, 
Without  diminishment  above ; 
Thus  sinners  who  His  mercy  drink, 
Ne'er  lessen  the  delightful  brink. 

Jesus  !  if  other  joys  should  fail, 
Still  let  Thy  faith,  Thy  power,  prevail ; 
Thy  love,  forever,  Lord,  maintain, 
Nor  let  our  pleadings  rise  in  vain. 


SAUUiliL*     .LXKIUS  ;     t»J4, 


HYMN. 

ZION   THE    SEAT    OF   JEHOVAH'S    PRESENCE. 

The  Lord  hath  chosen  for  His  seat. 
Dear  Zion's  glory,  fair,  divine, 

I'll  go,  my  Jesus  there  to  meet, 
And  make  His  gifts  of  mercy  mine. 

How  happy  is  the  scene  around, 

What  pleasures  from  His  throne  distil ! 

There  visions  beautiful  abound, 

And  fragrance  doth  the  climate  fill. 

God  looks  o'er  all  but  to  rejoice; 

He  smiles  as  sinners  seek  His  face ; 
How  gentle  His  entreating  voice, 

Surely  it  is  the  voice  of  grace. 

There  let  us  enter  and  be  glad ) 
Revere  His  precepts — this  is  right ; 

Be  with  his  robes  of  mercy  clad, 
And  dwell  in  glory  and  delight. 


HOPES  AND  YEARNINGS  HEAVENWARD.     113 

HYMN. 

JESUS    SUITED   TO    EVERY   PROVIDENCE. 

Am  I  distressed  !  there's  hope  above, 
And  fulness  in  a  Father's  love ; 
Am  I  afflicted !  then  His  voice 
May  my  desponding  heart  rejoice. 

Am  I  surrounded  far  by  foes, 
My  God  my  safety  can  disclose ; 
Am  I  in  poverty  and  want ! 
He  will  appropriate  blessings  grant. 

Am  I  in  doubt  as  to  my  end  ! 
God  cloth  the  humble  heart  attend ; 
Does  Satan  and  the  world  annoy  ! 
God  is  my  everlasting  joy. 

Am  I  in  pain  or  deep  disease ! 
Jesus  my  situation  sees ; 
Beyond  this  life  he  may  explain, 
Kind  reasons  for  my  lengthened  pain. 

Am  I  in  death  !  oh  let  me  think, 
As  the  offensive  draught  I  drink, 
I  have  a  Saviour  to  embrace, 
While  leaving  this  terrestrial  place. 

Ah,  with  such  bright  companions  here, 
My  soul !  what  trouble  shouldst  thou  fear  ? 
And  wherefore  dread  from  earth  to  fly, 
With  God  in  Christ  thy  friend  on  high  ! 


114  SACEED    LYRICS:    OR, 


GOOD  NIGHT. 

Good  night !  the  day  is  done,  its  toils  are  ended. 
Cares,  like  the  shadows  flit  along  the  hill ; 
Refreshing  slumber  is  with  quiet  blended ; 
The  house  is  still. 

The  purring  house  cat  crawls  along  the  ledges, 

The  sturdy  watch-dog  guards  the  jarred  gate ; 

The  gloomy  owl  broods  o'er  the  shady  hedges, 

Grim  potentate. 

Now  a  faint  breeze  ruffles  the  gauzy  curtain, 
Dim  shadows  tremble  down  the  moonlit  room  3 
Vague,  evanescent,  like  life's  hopes,  uncertain, 
They  end  in  gloom. 

The  clock  looks  down,  and  marks  the  passing- 
hours 
By  startling  knells — ah  thus  earth's  glories  fade; 
Gone !  are  the  verdure,  beauty,  scent,  and  flowers, 
Of  yonder  glade. 

Good  night !  frail  sinner,  with  a  burden  cumbered, 
Lean  upon  God,  and  peace  and  glory  win ; 
Joys  like  the  dew  drops  round  a  plant,  unnum- 
bered, 

Will  close  thee  in. 


HOPES  AND  YEARNINGS  HEAVENWARD.     115 

Good  night !  the  world  may  sneer,  but  God  is 

smiling, 
His   goodness,  like   the   starlight,  bounds   thy 

path; 
What  is  the  heartless  laugh,  the  cold  reviling, 
To  God's  fierce  wrath  ? 

Good  night !  oh  look,  the  golden  day  is  breaking, 
Shadows  and  spectre-fears  no  longer  scare  ; 
Oh  may  we  rise  in  heaven's  full  glory,  waking 
Strong,  beauteous,  fair. 


HYMN. 

THE    KINDNESS    OP    GOD    TO   HIS   CREATURES. 

You,  ye  saints,  the  God  of  love, 
Bids  to  meet  around  His  throne ; 

He,  the  Lord  of  life  above, 
Doth  His  people's  service  own. 

Come  with  praises;  for  His  grace 
Flows  in  blissful  streams  around ; 

And  the  brightness  of  His  face, 

Shines  through  all  dear  Zion's  ground. 

From  the  splendours  of  His  brow, 
Truth  in  clearest  ray  descends  : 

Ye  who  share  His  mercy  now, 
Know  that  love  His  word  attends. 


116  sacred  lyrics;  or. 

Seek  His  face,  oh  sinner,  seek, 
While  He  calls  thee  to  the  skies ; 

Thou,  who  art  so  poor  and  weak, 
Joyous  to  His  glory  rise. 

Yes,  He  has  received  Thy  name, 

It  is  registered  above ; 
He  will  ne'er  expose  to  shame, 

Sinners  who  accept  His  love. 


SONNET. 

"  SHEW   ME    THY   WAYS." 

"Shew  me  Thy  ways,"   the  glorious  Psalmist 

prayed ; 
Throughout  the  universe,  along  the  shore, 
Of  heaving  oceans  are  His  paths  displayed, 
The  mighty  avenues  of  glory  made, 
Through   which   His  greatness  rolls.     In   the 

earth's  core, 
Or  on  the  towering  cliff  His  splendour  shines ; 
Unnumbered  stars,  that  through  immensity 
Peer  gently  earthward,  are  the  holy  signs 
Of  his  majestic  treadings  j  and  the  sky 
Mantled  with  purple  or  with  crimson,  shows 
The  vivid  impress  of  His  mighty  march, 
Stretching  to  the  horizon's  edge,  an  arch 
Whose  shifting  butments  with  His  lustre  glows ; 
He  who  G-od's  ways  may  trace,  His  wondrous 

glory  knows. 


HOPES    AND    YEARNINGS- HEAYEN"WARD.  117 


CHILDHOOD. 

Childhood  is  beautiful,  when  in  its  face, 
Compliance  shows  with  mild  and  easy  grace ; 
When  on  the  rosy  cheek  and  lustrous  eye, 
The  smile  of  hope  proclaims  its  fervor  nigh  ) 
When  mirth  and  music  ripple  on  the  tongue, 
And  words  by  manhood  spoken,  then  are  sung. 

But  far  more  beautiful  when  love  commands, 
By  holy  instinct,  its  obedient  hands ; 
When  a  kind  father's  smile,  a  mother's  kiss, 
Sends  to  the  heart  the  glow  of  early  bliss, 
And  in  the  morning  hymn,  the  evening  prayer, 
Its  lisped  accents  the  true  worship  share. 


11 


118  SACRED    LYRICS:    OR, 


HYMN. 

THE   DUTY  OF  PRAISING  GOD. 

Thy  hands  have  formed  this  flesh  to  praise, 
Thy  plans,  perfections,  laws,  and  ways ; 
And  fashioned  every  part,  to  prove, 
Thy  power,  Thy  wisdom,  and  Thy  love. 

Lord  !  if  for  such  a  use  designed, 
Why  is  my  soul  to  duty  blind ; 
Why  do  I  hesitate  to  tell, 
The  wonders  Thou  hast  taught  so  well. 

Thy  tender  mercies  I'll  proclaim, 
With  glory  thus  surround  Thy  name ; 
Thy  constancy  and  grace  explain, 
Where  crime  corrupts,  and  ruin  reign. 

Lord  !  when  Thy  dreadful  judgments  rise, 
In  Jesus,  let  my  soul  be  wise; 
My  every  prayer,  and  song,  and  tear, 
Shall  certify  Thy  comfort  near. 


HOPES  AND  YEARNINGS  HEAVENWARD.     119 


HYMN. 

THE   WORD   OF   THE   LORD,    ABOUNDING   SWEETNESS. 

Sweeter  than  honey  to  the  taste, 

So  are  Thy  words,  Thou  Lord,  to  me ; 

Thy  wisdom  seasons  the  repast, 
Lord,  who  is  like  in  worth  to  Thee ! 

I  love  Thy  dear  commandments  well, 
They  furnish  me  with  sumptuous  fare ; 

There  stores  of  peace  and  mercy  dwell, 
Grace  in  a  full  abundance  there. 

Thy  laws  I  reverence,  obey, 

Most  merciful  my  feet  to  guide  \ 

Christ  is  the  everlasting  way, 
I  have  no  other  lord  beside. 

All  Thy  revealings  entertain, 
My  best  affections  and  delight : 

Jesus,  my  soul  from  guilt  restrain, 
With  glory  fill  my  raptured  sight. 


120  SACRED    LYRICS;    OR, 


HYMN. 

THE   SAINT  ASSURED   OF   FINAL   GLORY. 

The  man  that  finds  his  chief  delight, 
In  Christ's  sweet  service  here  ; 

Shall  stand  in  glory,  fair  and  bright, 
When  Jesus  shall  appear. 

Peaceful  his  labors,  thus  his  end, 
There  Christ's  perfections  shine ; 

The  love  of  his  Almighty  Friend, 
Flows  freely  and  divine. 

The  rich  instructions  of  his  Lord, 

He  with  delight  obeys  ; 
How  pleasant  is  Jehovah's  word, 

How  merciful  His  praise. 

Blest  is  the  man,  when  flesh  decays, 
Still  trusting  on  His  love ; 

He  blesses  his  kind  Father's  ways, 
And  hastens  home  above. 


HOPES  AND  YEARNINGS  HEAVENWARD.     121 


HYMN. 


THE    GIFT    OF    CHRIST. 


God  so  loved  the  world  in  woe, 
Christ  His  Son  he  sent  below ) 
God  in  glory  now  above, 
With  His  Gospel  grants  His  love. 

Angels  saw  the  Lord  descend, 
Angels  saw  us  scorn  that  Friend ; 
Angels  took  our  God  on  high, 
Angels  praised  him  in  the  sky. 

Not  to  save  them  Jesus  came, 
Bore  afflictions,  curses,  shame ; 
But  for  man  His  kindness  burned, 
They  who  His  compassion  spurned. 

Shall  He,  (oh  the  question  hear,) 
Our  condemning  Judge  appear  ? 
Or  His  Gospel  and  His  grace, 
Win  us  to  His  worthy  place  ? 

Then  the  Father's  love  shall  be, 
Ours  through  all  eternity  ; 
Joy  in  ceaseless  currents  roll, 
Over  every  ransomed  soul. 
11* 


122  SACKED    LYRICS  ;    OR, 


HYMN. 

THE   SUFFERER  AT   BETHESDA. 

By  old  Bethesda's  quiet  pool, 

A  languid  sufferer  lay ) 
Waiting,  beneath  its  waters  cool, 

To  wash  his  woes  away. 

The  angel  every  season  came, 
The  quiet  waters  stirred ; 

His  woes  each  season  were  the  same, 
None  his  entreaties  heard. 

At  last  the  Saviour  passing  by, 

The  sufferer  restored ; 
And  o'er  his  heart,  of  pleasures  dry, 

Abundant  blessings  poured. 

Je3us  !  my  soul's  a  sufferer  too, 

Thy  healing  mercy  give ; 
And,  in  Thy  grace,  forever  new, 

Let  me  to  glory  live. 


HOPES  AND  YEARNINGS  HEAVENWARD.     123 


HYMN. 

THE   DEATH    OF   THE    FAITHFUL. 

To  die  in  faith  !  abundant  joy  ! 

Abundant  glory  too ; 
To  pass  from  earth's  to  heaven's  employ, 

And  Christ  and  angels  view  ! 

To  be  a  King  with  God  on  high, 

O'er  ten  bright  cities  there ; 
And  see  immortal  creatures  fly, 

Immortal  news  to  bear. 

To  hold  sweet  converse  with  the  Lamb, 
The  golden  pavements  tread, 

To  praise  the  glorious  I  AM, 
Zion's  victorious  head. 

Dear  friends  long  sundered  to  rejoin, 

Renew  our  earthly  love  ; 
And  shout,  'twas  all  of  grace  divine, 

We  all  are  met  above  ! 

These  may  be  partial  fruits  of  faith, 

To  saints  by  Jesus  given  ; 
Then  should  we  meet  with  joy  that  death, 

Through  which  we  pass  to  heaven. 


124  sacred  lyrics;  or, 


CHRIST  THE  PILOT. 

There  is  a  sea,  whose  restless  tide, 

And  whose  deceitful  swell, 
Sharp,  sunken  rocks  securely  hide  ; 

Christ  knows  its  soundings  well. 

Steered  by  His  wise,  benignant  hand, 

The  Christian's  vessel  hies, 
'Till  anchor'd  at  the  peaceful  strand, 

Where  Canaan's  glory  lies. 

SONNET. 

"AND   EVERY   EYE    SHALL    SEE    HIM." 

This  globe  shall  be  to  wreathing  flames  resigned, 
And  death's  pale  charger  o'er  its  wreck  career ; 
Lightnings  and  earthquakes,  and  a  mighty  wind, 
Proclaim  the  day  of  vengeance  ;  then  will  fear, 
Rush  to  o'erwhelm  the  reprobate ;  the  sea 
Shall  vomit  forth  her  long  imprisoned  dead ; 
Then  shall  the  guilty  from  His  presence  flee, 
Whose  voice  the  mountains  shakes,  and  trem- 
bling, cower 
Beneath  the  burning  fury  of  His  tongue  ; 
Then  shall  God's  treasured  wrath  in  fiery  shower, 
Blast  every  prop  to  which  the  sinner  clung ; 
"And  every  eye  shall  see  him,"  friend  and  foe, 
Victor  and  vanquished,  slave  and  lord  of  power. 
To  glory  tend,  or  plunge  to  hell  below. 


I10PES   AND   YEARNINGS   HEAVENWARD.  125 


HYMN. 

THE   DAWNING   OF   THE   DAY   OP   RIGHTEOUSNESS. 

The  day  of  Zion's  joy  and  strength, 
Dawns  o'er  the  eastern  hills  at  length  j 
Her  beauty  and  her  glory  rise, 
O'er  Pagan  darkness,  to  the  skies. 

High  on  the  mountains  of  her  peace, 
Her  numbers  nations  shall  increase  ; 
The  house  of  God,  His  dwelling  place, 
Shall  be  erected  on  his  grace. 

Thither  with  rapture  crowd  each  tribe, 
And  glory  to  the  Lord  ascribe, 
Thousands,  yea,  tens  of  thousands  press, 
Jesus,  the  Son  of  God,  to  bless. 

The  mean  and  lofty  there  repeat, 
Their  common  faith  at  Jesus'  feet ; 
The  wise  and  ignorant  be  there, 
To  breathe  an  equal  humble  prayer. 

Their  treasures,  oh,  how  large  they  spread, 
Yet  the  great  honors  of  their  head, 
No  gold  or  silver  e'er  can  be, 
Compared,  Thou  Lord  of  life !  to  Thee. 


SAUK.&.U    lilKMJS  ;     UK, 


Oh,  day  of  glory,  rise  and  shine, 
O'er  every  Jew  and  Gentile  line ; 
Thou  God  of  mercy,  let  Thy  praise, 
Be  signaled  by  its  dawning  rays. 


HYMN. 

THE   VEXATIONS   EXPERIENCED   BY  THE   RIGHTEOUS. 

My  soul  is  vexed  when  sinners  scorn, 
The  pleasures  Christ  hath  given ; 

But  oh,  how  bitter  shall  they  mourn, 
To  be  cast  out  of  heaven. 

They  hear  of  Great  Jehovah's  wrath, 

And  His  eternal  love ; 
Here  mercy  no  persuasion  hath, 

Justice  no  fears  above. 

And  are  they  surely  bound  to  death, 
To  dreadful  flames  resigned ; 

Shall  no  sweet  word,  no  pious  breath, 
Pervade  and  move  their  mind ! 

Oh,  that  they  would,  by  mercy  led, 
Dear  Lord,  Thy  kindness  own ; 

And  tears  of  true  repentance  shed, 
Beneath  Thy  happy  throne. 


HOPES  AND  YEARNINGS  HEAVENWARD.     127 


EPITAPH. 

Each  nation's  history  bears  some  bloody  page, 
Of  tyrant's  cruelty,  or  hero's  rage ; 
And  warriors  noble,  there  in  state  appear, 
Beside  the  names  they  mentioned  but  with  fear. 

She  in  the  household  more  illustrious  shone, 
Than  the  proud  occupant  of  field  or  throne ; 
True  loving  hearts  her  loyal  subjects  were, 
Bound  fast  by  friendship  to  their  comforter. 


SONNET. 

"  IN   THAT   DAY   SHALL   THE    BRANCH   OF   THE   LORD    BE 
BEAUTIFUL   AND    GLORIOUS." 

That  day,  oh,  Church  of  Jesus,  brightly  dawns ; 

E'en  the  far  valleys  on  its  glory  look ; 
The  stately  shades  of  ancient  rites  withdrawn 

From  sacred  worship,  now,  as  from  a  book 
Of  glowing  pages  may  we  boldly  read, 

By  inspirations,  evidence  and  proof, 
All  that  Jehovah  in  His  might  decreed, 

And  all  that  Jesus  in  His  mercy  took ; 
Now  is  the  branch  made  beautiful, — below 

Its  arching  clusters,  nations  may  recline ) 


128  sacred  lyrics;  or, 

Gentile  and  Jew,  children  of  wealth  and  woe, 
All,  all  may  to  the  balmy  burdens  go, 

And  pluck,  and  eat,  and  round  the  heart  entwine, 
The  healing  tendrils  of  the  heavenly  vine. 


HYMN. 

THE   DUTY  OF  MAN'S   HOMAGE   TO   HIS   CREATOR. 

This  world's  Thy  property,  oh  King, 
The  stars  Thy  robes  adorn ; 

And  nature  doth  sweet  praises  bring, 
In  every  pleasant  morn. 

And  shall  my  spirit  strive  and  seek, 

Thy  purposes  to  move ; 
My  spirit,  trembling,  poor,  and  weak, 

And  Thou,  the  Lord  above. 

No,  with  creation,  I'll  adore, 

Thy  majesty  and  will; 
Thy  grace,  Jehovah,  I  implore, 

My  timid  heart  to  fill. 

Through  grace  I  pass  into  Thy  home, 
And  saints  and  angels  meet ; 

By  grace  I  unto  glory  come, 
Thy  goodness  to  repeat. 


HOPES    AND    YEARNINGS    HEAVENWARD.  121 


HYMN. 

YE    MUST   BE    BORN    AGAIN. 

Ye  must  be  horn  again, 

Born  of  the  spirit  true ; 
The  Saviour's  blood  from  sin's  dark  stain, 

Your  selfish  souls  renew. 

Born  in  the  bonds  of  love, 

Your  life  in  Christ  to  hide; 
Born  to  establish  hopes  above, 

And  in  those  hopes  abide. 

Born  to  a  zeal  and  faith, 

To  frustrate  hell's  deceit; 
Born  to  be  conquerors  of  death, 

In  realms  of  mercy  meet. 

Born  to  support  the  cause, 

Of  Jesus  while  below ; 
Obedience  to  His  holy  laws, 

And  steady  worship  show. 

Born  to  receive  a  crown, 

By  Christ  in  glory  given; 
At  His  right  hand  to  be  set  down, 

And  dwell  with  God  in  heaven. 


12 


180  SACRED    LYRICS  ;    OR, 

LINES 

ON    THE    DEATH    OF   THREE   INFANTS. 

They  are  at  rest,  how  tranquil  is  their  slumber, 
A  mother's  voice  cannot  recall  them  now ; 

They  are  at  rest,  with  heaven's  cherubic  number, 
And  at  the  feet  of  their  Redeemer  bow. 

They  are  at  rest,  oh,  should  we  wish  them  hither, 
Could  some  stern  fiat  bid  each  child  return  J 

Before  contagion's  breath  such  sweet  ones  wither, 
And  death,  relentless,  would  their  beauties 
spurn. 

They  are  at  rest,  no  more  on  earth  they  languish, 
Woman!  those  pangs  have  almost  rent  thy 
heart ; 

They  are  at  rest,  from  sorrow,  pain,  and  anguish, 
And  Jesus  bade  them  one  by  one  depart. 

They  are  at  rest,  how  blissful  the  transition, 
Thou,   mighty   Saviour,  how   supreme    Thy 
grace  ! 

The  dawn  of  glory  brightens  to  fruition, 

And  clouds  all  scatter  from  thy  radiant  face. 

They  are  at  rest,  a  vision,  sunlike,  glorious, 
Wafts  them  exultant  to  the  parting  skies ; 

The  grave,  once  vanquished,  they  ascend,  vic- 
torious, 
And  shout  hosannas  as  they  reach  the  prize. 


HOPES  AND  YEARNINGS  HEAVENWARD.     131 


HYMN. 

THE    SOCIAL   MEETING   OP    SAINTS. 

How  blest  to  meet  with  Christian  friends, 
Where  Jesus  with  his  love  attends, 
To  feed  the  flame  of  love  within, 
And  renovate  the  soul  of  sin. 

The  distant,  drawn  by  cords  of  love, 
Meet,  as  they  hope  to  meet  above  \ 
The  sad,  new  comfort  come  to  gain, 
The  mourning  to  rejoice  again. 

Around  the  table  where  they  sit, 

Visions  of  heavenly  splendour  flit ; 

The  hymns  they  sing,  the  prayers  they  raise, 

Sets  every  quickened  soul  ablaze. 

How  lovely,  oh,  how  rapturous  thus, 
To  meet  in  bonds  of  holiness ; 
Assurance  of  fresh  faith  receive, 
And  some  sweet  promise  now  believe. 


132  sacred  lyrics;  or, 


LINES. 

The  storm  has  sunken  o'er  the  western  hills. 

The  turbid  river,  and  the  swollen  rills, 

And  prostrate  trees,  and  strewn  and  shattered 

flowers, 
And  vines  low  bending  'neath  the  weight  of 

showers, 
Attest  its  fury,  mark  its  victor-path, 
Its  march,  its  conquest,  and  its  whirlwind  wrath. 
Lo,  a  dark  cloud  exhibits  its  descent, 
Its  sunshine  limits,  and  its  black  extent; 
It  moves,  still  moves,  with  blazing  glories  girt ; 
The  zephyr  dallies  with  its  fringed  skirt, 
Forms  and  transforms,  and  beauteously  displays, 
Like  a  flung  banner  'neath  the  sun's  full  rays. 
A  star  ascends  just  over  the  airy  scene, 
Calm,  silent,  lovely,  as  the  eve  serene ) 
It  rises,  rises,  storm,  and  cloud,  and  wrath, 
And  latent  vengeance  scorning  in  its  path ; 
Ascending,  still  ascending,  'till  its  light 
Gilds  the  broad  heavens.     The  drooping  veil  of 

night, 
Displays  the  richer  glories  of  the  star, 
To  world's  around,  and  glittering  orbs  afar. 
Methinks  the  spirit  of  the  worthy  just, 
No  more  impeded  by  its  mortal  dust, 
In  light  ascends,  as  life's  rough  tempest  cease, 
While  all  beside,  around,  above, — is  peace ; 
Like  the  mild  star  that  sweetly  gleams  at  even, 
It  glides  in  glory  to  its  native  heaven. 


HOPES  AND  YEARNINGS  HEAVENWARD.     133 


HYMN. 

THE   DAY   OF   SALVATION. 

Here  hath  salvation's  day  appeared, 

Ye  sinners !  come  and  see ; 
Love,  which  unnumbered  sinners  cheered, 

And  freely  shewn  for  ye. 

Oh,  do  not  say  the  glorious  Lord, 

Hath  limited  His  grace ; 
It  flows  co-equal  with  His  word, 

Co-equal  with  the  race. 

Truly  the  promises  are  dear ; 

Sweetly  each  promise  take, 
And  say,  with  soul  devoid  of  fear, 

"  These  are  for  Jesus'  sake." 

He  reconciles  and  intercedes, 

By  language  of  His  love  ; 
The  soul  with  needed  mercy  feeds, 

Then  bears  that  soul  above. 

12* 


134  SACRED  lyrics;   or, 


HYMN. 

REVERENCE    TO    JEHOVAH. 

With  awe  and  reverence  we  bow, 
Before  Thy  gracious  throne  ; 

And  say,  whate'er  Thy  love  allow, 
Shall  to  Thy  praise  be  done. 

Thou  art  a  just  and  holy  G-od, 
And  never  could  approve, 

The  sinful  way  we  long  have  trod, 
Far  distant  from  Thy  love. 

And  yet  Thy  mercy  met  our  state, 
Thy  grace  retrieved  our  fall ; 

In  truth  a  love  so  high,  so  great, 
Doth  for  our  reverence  call. 

Pity  our  hearts  again,  we  pray, 
Our  souls  with  love  baptize ; 

Then  in  thy  straight  and  holy  way, 
To  scenes  of  joy  we'll  rise. 


HOPES  AND  YEARNINGS  HEAVENWARD.     135 


HYMN. 

PLEA  FOR  THE  HEART-SEARCHING  POWER  OF  GOD. 

Search  me,  oh  God,  and  know  my  heart ! 

See  whither  tends  my  love  supreme ; 
Deep  is  the  tempter's  cruel  art, 

And  pleasant  sin's  delusive  dream. 

Try  all  my  thoughts,  and  hopes,  and  see, 
If  Jesus  owns  my  dearest  love ; 

My  glory  centres  it  on  Thee, 
Thou  everlasting  Lord  above. 

The  secret  of  my  soul  expose, 
And  solve  its  deepest  mysteries ; 

See  if  it  cherish  friends  or  foes, 
In  sullen  state  or  lustful  ease. 

Expel  the  foes,  if  foes  there  are, 
My  soul  an  angel  send  to  guard ; 

The  entrance  with  his  sword  to  bar, 
And  slay  the  foes  that  press  her  hard. 

I  shall  be  able  then  to  stand, 

And  glory  in  Thy  sovereign  love ; 

Clothed  by  Thy  strong  yet  gentle  hand, 
Hell  cannot  my  firm  hope  remove. 


136  sacked  lyrics;  ok, 


HYMN. 

THE   CHARACTER   OF    CHRIST. 

Christ  is  commended  to  our  love, 
By  kindly  attribute  and  name ; 

Equal  with  God,  great  King  above  ! 
How  brilliant,  but  how  blest  His  fame. 

Angels  do  homage  deep,  and  bend, 
The  solemn  wonder  would  explore, 

When  Christ,  our  everlasting  friend, 
Sends  mercy  to  some  stranger  shore. 

Those  beings  gifted,  glorious  know, 
But  distant  beauties  of  that  grace, 

Believers'  welcome  food  below, 

They  who  have  ne'er  beheld  His  face. 

The  soul  hath  voices  to  explain, 
Her  wants  and  wishes  to  her  God ; 

Care,  sorrow,  fear,  distress,  or  pain, 

Draw  some  sweet  grace  from  His  abode. 


HOPES  AND  YEARNINGS  HEAVENWARD.     13' 


HYMN. 

DEATH   WELCOME    TO   THE    BELIEVER. 

'Tis  sweet  to  die,  if  Jesus  occupies, 

King  undisputed  the  once  sinful  breast; 

Happy  the  beggar  who  thus  calmly  dies, 
And  sinks  delighted  to  his  glorious  rest. 

In  that  just  hour,  the  things  which  pleased  the 
sense, 
Pass   like   vague    phantoms   to  dishonoured 
shade \ 
While  the  great  light  of  dread  omnipotence, 
Tinges  the  void  their  final  absence  made. 

Objects  eternal,  changeless  as  their  God, 
Rise  in  the  prospect,  glorious  and  serene; 

While  all  below  fades  at  His  powerful  nod, 
And  death  recloses  the  well  ordered  scene 


138  SACRED    LYRICS  :    OR, 


SONNET. 

"MAN   DID   EAT   ANGELS    FOOD." 

Far  in  the  wilderness,  the  journeying  camp, 
In  every  change  the  G-od  of  Israel  knew ; — 
The  shining  cloud,  Jehovah's  sacred  lamp, 
That  down  the  road  a  gentle  radiance  threw, 
The  solemn  gloom  with  glory  to  imbue, 
And  in  the  darker  cloud,  that  all  the  day 
Hung  overhead,  the  banner  of  His  love, 
A  shield  delightful,  from  the  scorching  ray, 
Ever  descending  from  the  orb  above ; 
The  smitten  rock,  the  manna  on  the  plain, 
These,  these,  and  each  should  have  awoke  the 

strain 
Of  sweet  submissive  praise  ;  yet  did  they  rove, 
No  thankful  gratitude  for  mercies  felt ; 
Sinners !  here  view  your  life,  and  in  contrition 

melt. 


HOPES  AND  YEARNINGS  HEAVENWARD.     139 


HYMN. 

THE   WONDERS   OP  GODHEAD. 

God  is  a  spirit,  holy,  wise, 

And  glory  is  his  dwelling  place, 
He  sheds  His  lustre  through  the  skies, 

And  through  this  crowded  world  His  grace. 

Above  our  best  conceptions,  He, 

"With  majesty,  his  laws  ordain ; 
His  path  is  in  the  mighty  sea, 

His  march  of  conquest  o'er  the  plains. 

Yet  He  is  lovely,  gentle,  kind 
And  looks  in  mercy  on  our  woe ; 

He  bears  a  sympathizing  mind, 

For  sorrows  which  His  people  know. 

He  sees  the  tears  His  children  shed, 
He  listens  to  their  prayers  in  love ; 

He  comforts  the  desponding  head, 
He  carries  every  saint  above. 


140  SACRED   LYRICS  ;    OR, 


EVENING  HYMN. 


Jesus  descend  and  sanctify, 

Our  evening  praises  uttered  here ; 

Our  bodies  kindly  fortify, 

From  prowling  damps  and  woes  severe. 

Sit  at  our  bed-side,  gracious  Lord, 
Directing  every  breath  we  draw ; 

Sweet,  heathful  slumber  us  afford, 
More  true  to  love's  than  nature's  law. 

And  should  the  arch-invader  come, 
To  take  the  breath  Thou,  Jesus,  gave, 

These  lips  to  render  cold  and  dumb, 
To  quietude  these  tongues  depraved. 

Oh,  glorify  Thyself  in  this, 

And  glorify  ourselves  in  Thee  : 

Death  only  may  the  soul  dismiss, 
To  dwell  in  bright  eternity. 

Then,  Saviour,  should  we  die  this  night, 
In  consequence  of  Thy  command ; 

May  we  arise  to  see  the  light, 
Of  glory  bathe  Thine  upper  land. 


HOPES    AND   YEARNINGS    HEAVENWARD.  141 

HYMN. 
ON   RECOVERY   FROM    SICKNESS. 

Sweet  Jesus  !  'twas  Thy  gentle  hand 

That  lifted  me  by  kind  degrees, 
From  death's  dread  borders,  firm  to  stand, 

Where  faith  a  present  Saviour  sees. 

Pain  was  the  sharer  of  my  couch, 
Disease  ran  riot  through  this  frame ; 

They,  at  the  bidding  of  Thy  touch, 
Swift  heralds  of  Thy  grace  became. 

0,  what  high  rapture  now  I  feel, 
Possessing  this  once  painful  breast ; 

What  beauties  o'er  my  spirit  steal, 
Faint  pictures  of  my  promised  rest. 

My  sickness  and  my  swift  decline, 
Were  messengers  of  love  to  me ; 

Then  I  experienced  faith  divine, 
And  grace,  as  final  glory  free. 

At  night  when  all  was  still  around, 
Thou,  gentle  Saviour,  stood  and  spake ; 

My  soul  stood  silent  at  the  sound, 
Each  syllable  of  love  to  take. 

Thus,  when  the  night  of  death  comes  on, 
Stand  by  me  as  Thou  whisperest, — peace; 

And  while  Thy  holy  will  is  done, 
In  glory  let  my  tremblings  cease. 
13 


142  sacred  lyrics:  or, 


SONNET. 

"  BUT  HE  THAT  DOETH  THE  WILL  OF  GOD  ABIDETH 
FOREVER." 

This  earth,  those  stars,  down  in  immensity 
Of  chaos  and  destruction  shall  be  hurled  j 
Before  His  countenance,  the  sun  shall  flee, 
Those  orbs  of  splendour  and  of  majesty 
Torn  from  the  coronet  of  night ;  the  world 
To  surging  seas  of  flaming  wrath  consigned  ; 
These  glorious  trees,  and  yonder  beauteous  glade, 
All  that  man's  wisdom  hath  with  art  designed, 
All,  all  shall  wither  and  ignobly  fade ; 
The  cunning  sophistry,  the  pride  of  birth, 
Vainglorious  grandeur,  be  consumed  with  earth  ; 
He  that  obeys  the  law  the  Lord  hath  made, 
Shall  reign  in  glory,  when  destruction  brings, 
Abasement  to  the  proud,  and  awful  woe  to  kings. 


HOPES  AND  YEARNINGS  HEAVENWARD.     143 


LINES  WRITTEN  IN  A  LADY'S  ALBUM. 

These  be  my  wishes  to  a  cherished  friend, 
Peace,  wisdom,  honour,  on  her  paths  attend ; 
Not  proud  position  or  superior  state, 
Can  in  the  soul  contentment's  joys  create, 
While  gentle  grace  and  dignity  are  known, 
The  mild  attendants  upon  virtue's  throne. 

These  I  desire,  and  would  with  joy  bestow, 
Did  consummation  wait  on  friendship's  flow ; 
But  one  more  wise,  more  kind,  more  gentle,  true, 
Presents  His  daily  goodness  to  our  view. 
The  spot  is  sacred  where  true  love  expires, 
So  be  this  transcript  of  my  soul's  desires. 


144  sacred  lyrics;  or, 


HYMN. 

HUMILITY  AN   ATTRIBUTE    OF    PIETY. 

At  Pilate's  bar  the  Saviour  stood, 
Subject  to  insult,  action  rude, 

Yet  murmured  no  reply ; 
The  priests  and  elders  glared  upon 
The  gentle  prisoner,  yet  won 

No  cause  to  bid  Him  die. 

Humility,  His  silence  proved, 
Yet  this  their  awful  malice  moved, 

Led  Him  to  Calvary  ; 
This  wove  the  thorns  which  pierced  his  brow, 
This  aimed  the  dreadful,  torturing  blow, 

This  nailed  Him  to  the  tree. 

And  am  I  humble,  modest,  meek, 
At  insult  e'en  forbear  to  speak  ? 

His  spirit  then  I've  caught, 
Who  faced  the  eager,  brutal  host, 
Yet  to  each  selfish,  cruel  boast, 

In  meekness  answered  nought. 


HOPES  AND  YEARNINGS  HEAVENWARD.     145 


HYMN. 

OUR  LIVES  SUBJECT    TO    THE  WILL    OF   THE    ALMIGHTY. 

My  time  is  subject  to  the  will 
Of  Him  who  sittest  far  on  high  ) 

I  am  His  true  possession  still, 
I  cannot  from  His  presence  fly. 

Each  thought  before  it  is  exprest, 

Is  all  apparent  unto  Him ; 
There's  not  a  wish  within  this  breast, 

To  G-od,  and  His  omniscience  dim. 

This  world  capacious,  land  and  sea, 

Can  furnish  no  secluding  cave  3 
His  mind  forever  follows  me, 

Yea,  follows  to  the  solemn  grave. 

Nor  does  it  there  its  searchings  cease, 
Angels  the  startling  truth  might  tell ; 

It  wanders  to  the  world  of  peace, 
Or  hastes  to  utter  woe  in  hell. 

Thou  God,  eternal,  just,  and  grand, 
I  crave  Thy  friendship  and  Thy  care ; 

Then  shall  no  judgments  guide  Thy  hand, 
Thy  brow  no  wrath  and  terrors  wear. 
13* 


146  SACRED    LYRICS  ;    OR, 


HYMN. 

THE    OMNIPRESENCE    OF    GOD. 

0,  whither  shall  my  spirit  fly, 

To  hide  from  His  world-searching  eye, 

Whose  will  is  nature's  law  ; 
Before  whose  glory  angels  bow, 
And  saints  on  earth,  with  solemn  vow, 

Their  hopes  of  glory  draw. 

First  must  I  leave  this  rolling  earth, 
This  fleeting  theatre  of  mirth, 

Intrinsically  mean ; 
Then  to  the  farthest  verge  of  space, 
"With  rapid  evolutions  trace, 

The  worlds  which  float  between. 

Past  Sun  and  Comet,  Pleiades, 
And  all  which  swim  those  azure  seas, 

Planets  in  order  whirled ; 
Past  all  must  my  adventurous  wing, 
Unclogged  my  trembling  spirit  bring, 

To  a  more  distant  world. 

Yet  through  them  all  a  God  appears, 
Each  star  a  blazing  tablet  rears, 

Expressive  of  His  might; 
Each  planet  on  its  liquid  way, 
Keeps  my  affrighted  soul  at  bay, 

With  its  bewildering  light. 


HOPES  AND  YEARNINGS  HEAVENWARD.     147 

Through  all  the  circles  of  the  stars, 
'Mid  Saturn,  Jupiter,  and  Mars, 

The  King  of  glory  reigns  ; 
Nor  can  my  soul  escape  that  eye, 
"Which  wanders  o'er  the  glittering  sky, 

With  grandeur  fills  those  plains. 


HYMN. 

THE  PLEASURES  OF  THE  RANSOMED. 

The  prospect's  beautiful  and  fair, 
By  Christ  to  Christians  given  ; 

For  reigns  in  highest  glory  there, 
Jesus, — the  joy  of  heaven. 

The  treacherous  thought,  the  longing  lust, 
From  God's  pure  presence  flies  ; 

His  gaze  they  shun,  and  surely  must, 
When  we  move  up  the  skies. 

Does  one  sly  doubt  my  soul  infest  ? 

Faith  clears  the  cloud  away ; 
And  every  adverse  wish  supprest, 

Discloses  perfect  day. 

No  more  I'll  tremble,  pause,  or  fear, 

No  more  my  doubts  renew ; 
But  daily  to  my  God  more  near, 

My  final  glory  view. 


148  SACRED    LYRICS  ?    OR, 


HYMN. 

THE  ANGER  OP  GOD  WITH  THE  REBELLIOUS. 

As  chaff  before  the  wind  is  borne, 
As  darkness  disappears  at  niorn, 
So  shall  rebellious  nations  fly, 
Before  the  wrath  of  Him  on  high. 

Their  land  shall  groan  beneath  the  load, 
The  vengeance  of  a  holy  God ; 
Their  paths  shall  hiss  unto  their  tread, 
And  monsters  travel  o'er  their  dead. 

Dark  desolation,  fruitless  soil, 
Shall  their  accustomed  labors  foil ; 
Seed  time  and  harvest  disappear, 
From  the  recurrence  of  the  year. 

But  for  His  servants,  rain  shall  fall, 
And  sunshine,  fruits  and  harvests  call ; 
Blessings  and  beauties  shall  abound, 
And  rills  refresh  their  cultured  ground. 


HOPES  AND  YEARNINGS  HEAVENWARD.     149 


HYMN. 

THE  LIFE    OF    CONSISTENT   PIETY. 

How  beautiful  the  Christian's  life, 
To  the  close  watching  eye ; 

So  free  from  envy,  pride  and  strife, 
And  tending  heavenward  high. 

The  graces  of  the  noble  mind, 
Confirm  His  movements  too ; 

So  that  the  good  His  heart  designed, 
He  cheerful  hastes  to  do. 

Tranquil  amid  opposing  ill, 

Like  island  'mid  the  sea  ; 
He  regulates  his  hope  and  will, 

To  Thee,  dear  Lord,  to  Thee. 

Translated  to  the  world  of  light, 

His  character  is  known  ; 
By  saints  in  strong  and  perfect  sight, 

Around  the  Saviour's  throne. 


LOV  SACRED    LYRICS  ;    OR, 


HYMN. 

THE    FRIENDSHIP    OF   JESUS. 

I  have  a  friend  to  whom  I  fly, 
When  pains  possess,  when  troubles  try ; 
He  never  did,  He'll  never  spurn, 
The  soul  that  to  His  face  doth  turn. 

"Where'er  I  walk,  when'er  I  rise, 
I  see  the  darling  friend  I  prize  ; 
In  valleys  dark,  on  hill,  on  plain, 
I  never  seek  his  help  in  vain. 

I  know  not  why  His  love  so  strong, 
I  often  did  his  kindness  wrong; 
I  wonder  what  this  being  saw, 
His  friendship  to  my  soul  to  draw. 

He  was  so  gentle,  peaceful,  kind, 
And  I  so  wayward,  rude,  and  blind ; 
He  so  endearing,  so  sincere, 
I  so  repulsive  did  appear. 

His  kindness  overcame  my  will, 
I  mourned  *my  conduct  was  so  ill ; 
I  wept  o'er  insults  I  had  done, 
A  being  who  my  love  had  won. 


HOPES  AND  YEARNINGS  HEAVENWARD.     151 

That  friend,  ah  sinner,  need  I  tell, 
You  know  his  lovely  title  well ; 
That  friend  is  Jesus,  G-od's  dear  Son, 
Say,  hath  He  your  affections  won  ? 

Embrace  Him,  sinner, — you  will  find, 
Jesus  a  friend  sincere  and  kind ; 
And  when  from  death  you  wake  on  high, 
He'll  prove  His  friendship  in  the  sky. 


HYMN. 

NECESSITY   OF   CONSTANT   PRAYER. 

Pray  Christian,  pray,  your  wants  are  great, 
Firm  faith,  high  hope,  and  lasting  love  j 

God,  the  great  giver,  calmly  waits, 
To  send  sweet  answers  from  above. 

Pray  !  lest  the  tempter  win  your  heart, 
And  paths  forbidden  lure  your  feet ; 

Prayer  forges  armour  for  each  part ; 
Its  adaptation  forms  complete. 

Pray  !  for  the  world  by  wicked  lies, 

Would  draw  you  from  your  father's  place ; 

Pray  and  their  vile  attempts  despise, 
Those  enemies  to  love  and  grace. 

Then  for  a  final  conquest  pray, 
O'er  death  to  glory  and  rejoice  ; 

Then  pass  to  upper  joys  away, 

Prayer  your  last  wish,  your  earliest  voice. 


152 


SACRED    LYRICS  ;    OR, 


HYMN 

CHRIST   AT  CALVARY. 

When  called  by  Providence  to  bear, 
Some  burden  of  reproach  or  care, 
My  heart  doth  full  deliverance  see 
Purchased  by  Christ  at  Calvary. 

The  pains  of  mortal  life  infest, 
This  weary  frame,  this  wishful  breast, 
From  pains  my  flesh,  my  soul  is  free, 
While  gazing  upon  Calvary. 

Tall  obstacles  my  way  confuse, 
I  fear  my  hopes  of  heaven  to  lose ; 
Lord  !  how  can  I  an  outcast  be, 
If  joined  to  Christ  at  Calvary. 

When  pleasures  from  my  prospects  fly, 
And  all  delighting  comforts  die ; 
I  dwell  on  sorrows  borne  by  thee, 
Thou  Saviour  Christ  on  Calvary. 

Conscience  recalls  my  former  vows, 
My  faith  in  Jesus  to  arouse ) 
When  Satan  hides  thy  Love  from  me, 
I  pray  to  Christ  on  Calvary. 


HOPES  AND  YEARNINGS  HEAVENWARD.     153 

My  Soul  neglects  thy  sacred  law, 
The  sweet  salvation  once  she  saw ; 
Earth's  vile  allurements  fail  and  flee, 
While  loving  Christ  at  Calvary. 

If  starving  poverty  be  mine, 
I  cannot,  fed  by  grace  decline; 
I'll  praise  the  mercy  rich  and  free, 
Which  comes  from  Christ  at  Calvary. 

Sweet  Jesus !  till  I  tread  no  more, 
This  fading  scene,  this  changeful  shore, 
My  spirit  shall  rejoice  in  thee, 
Thou  precious  Christ  at  Calvary. 

And  when  translated  with  thy  love, 
I  stand  on  heavenly  hills  above, 
Ceaseless  I'll  sing  thy  love  to  me, 
My  glory,  Christ  at  Calvary. 


14 


154  SACRED    LYRICS  ;    OR, 


SONNET. 

Courted  by  balmy  gales  that  fan  the  brow, 
Of  green  acclivities,  the  eagle  flies ; 
Deserts  his  banquet  in  the  vale  below, 
Upwards,  still  upwards ;  see  he  marks  the  skies, 
Past  rugged  mount,  and  winding  rough  defile, 
Where  timid  goats  pass  the  delightful  day, 
And  gloomy  pyramid  of  rocks,  a  pile, 
Blest  by  the  sun's  most  beauteous,  parting  ray, 
He  drinks  the  moisture  of  the  mountain  rills, 
Ere  they  descend  to  cool  the  sultry  plain, 
Soars  o'er  the  towering  tops  and  craggy  hills, 
Nor  checks  his  flight  to  touch  the  vale  again ; 
Thus  the  freed  soul  soars  from  her  earth-born  clod, 
Lost  to  the  world,  but  present  with  her  God. 


HOPES  AND  YEARNINGS  HEAVENWARD.     155 


HYMN. 

THE  BOUNTIES  OF  OUR  HEAVENLY  FATHER. 

Father  !  thou  hast  a  feast  prepared, 
Thus,  we  unfaithful  souls  are  spared, 
While  sinners  of  a  gentler  race, 
Died  utter  strangers  to  thy  grace. 

We  were  as  vile,  as  vain  as  they, 
Loved  thy  just  laws  to  disobey, 
And  daily  from  thy  favours  flew, 
Some  folly  to  embrace  or  view. 

Father !  eternal  praise  is  thine, 
The  soul  repentant  shant  repine, 
Hope,  pardon,  peace,  all  heavenly,  free, 
In  ocean  fulness  flowed  from  thee. 

These 'were  the  fruits  of  holy  love ; 
There  are  superior  joys  above  ; 
There  streams  of  deathless  glory  roll, 
From  thy  dear  hand  o'er  every  soul. 


156  SACRED    LYRICS  ;    OR, 


HYMN. 

THE  CHURCH  OF  CHRIST. 

Thy  church,  oh  Jesus,  lovely  house  ! 

In  ancient  promise  stands ; 
Here  may  our  praise,  and  prayers  and  vows, 

Honour  thy  sacred  hands. 

Here  is  the  fulness  of  thy  grace, 

Here  thy  compassion  strong ; 
Here  the  sweet  smilings  of  thy  face, 

Here  rapture's  fervent  song. 

Thy  sons  and  daughters  here  confess, 

Thy  strong  sustaining  power ; 
Their  arm  of  peace  and  joy  fulness, 

To  this  most  precious  hour. 

Jesus,  thou  son  of  God,  most  high, 

Thy  glory  shall  be  known, 
O'er  this  broad  world ;  throughout  the  sky, 

Thy  spacious  splendours  shown. 


HOPES  AND  YEARNINGS  HEAVENWARD.     157 


HYMN. 

COMFORT  TO  THE  AFFLICTED. 

Sow  ye  in  tears,  in  joy  shall  ye  reap ; 

Christians  desponding,  bewail  not  your  lot  j 
Whether  ye  labour,  or  whether  ye  weep, 
Christ  will  your  priceless  inheritance  keep, 

Encircle  with  glory  your  cot. 

Grievous  to  suffer,  sweet  to  escape  ; 

Temporal  trials  are  shadows  at  best, 
Serving  some  heavenward  prospect  to  drape, 
As  clouds  make  gloomy  some  beautiful  shape, 

Of  tall,  sturdy  mountains  the  crest. 

If  it  be  long  He  asks  you, — assist, 

Think,  if  ye  can  of  the  length  of  reward ; 
Then  through  all  dangers  your  heart  will  persist, 
Show  unto  strangers  how  sweet  to  enlist, 
Beneath  the  bright  flag  of  the  Lord. 

Look  to  the  end  while  marching  along, 

Speak  your  unflinching  devotion  around ; 
Glory  alone  to  the  valiant  belongs, 
Beauties  intrinsic  of  heaven's  sweet  songs, 
Alone  from  your  lips  should  resound. 

Painless  and  fearless  all  shall  arise ; 

Garlands  of  glory  your  entrance  shall  strew, 
Tears  wiped  away  from  the  long  weeping  eyes, 
Cancelled  !  the  cause  of  your  terrible  sighs, 

Your  tongue  shall  fresh  praises  pursue. 
14* 


158  SACRED   LYRICS  ;    OR, 


HYMN. 

GOD  WORTHY  OF  THE  SINNER' S  CONFIDENCE. 

Trust  thou  in  God,  for  He  is  sure, 
And  all  His  ways  are  just  and  pure ; 
Grace  is  the  portion  of  His  sons, 
And  mercy  through  his  precepts  runs. 

Trust  in  His  statutes,  and  be  wise, 
There  knowledge  in  abundance  lies ; 
How  pleasant  to  pursue  the  road, 
Directed  and  made  bright  by  God. 

Trust  in  his  promise,  and  rejoice, 
God  uses  no  deceitful  voice  ; 
Joys  He  has  promised  shall  appear, 
Though  saints  should  falter,  tremble,  fear, 

Trust  in  His  grace,  His  saving  grace, 
To  see  Jehovah  face  to  face ; 
He  gave  His  son,  and  will  bestow, 
Inferior  blessings  here  below. 

Trust  in  the  gospel  of  His  son, 
The  full  salvation  He  hath  won ; 
Lord,  we  would  trust  thee  j  now  impart, 
Strong  confidence  to  every  heart. 


HOPES  AND  YEARNINGS  HEAVENWARD.     159 


HYMN. 

REST   IN   HEAVEN. 

How  happy  is  the  soul  at  rest, 
On  God's  dear  arm,  on  Jesus'  breast ; 
There  comes  no  anguish,  want,  or  care, 
Christ,  its  sweet  portion,  all,  is  there. 

There  pains,  necessities,  and  woes, 
Their  reign  of  long  affliction  close ; 
Rapture  and  mercy,  hope  and  grace, 
His  doubts  dispel,  his  sins  efface. 

The  mighty  Counsellor  and  King, 
Deserves  the  honours  that  we  bring: ; 
He  loved  us  when  His  love  we  scorned, 
And  sadly  our  rebellion  mourned. 

My  soul  shall  on  His  arm  abide, 
I  have  no  other  rest  beside  ; 
Thus  heaven  is  mine  by  faith  and  love, 
Till  I  its  glory  see  above. 


160  sacred  lyrics;  or, 


HYMN. 

FAITH. 

Faith  is  the  Pisgah-height  to  man, 

Where  Canaan's  cloudless  glories  shine  ; 

There  may  his  soul  her  prospects  scan, 
And  say  that  promised  glory's  mine. 

Soon  my  probation  here  shall  cease, 

My  time  forever  all  be  o'er; 
And  an  eternity  of  peace 

Succeed  my  toil,  on  yonder  shore. 

There  sit  my  kindred  clothed  in  white, 
More  noble  than  a  monarch's  name ; 

There  a  vast  company  so  bright, 

Their  robes  seem  woven  all  of  flame. 

And  in  their  midst  the  spotless  Lamb, 
The  centre  of  immortal  praise ; 

Loud  hallelujahs,  glory's  psalm, 
His  saints  in  joyous  concord  raise. 

To  pass  death's  river,  faith  is  strong, 
Love  urges  her  glad  pinions  there ; 

Hark  !  she  hath  heard  the  heavenly  song, 
Hark  !  she  the  heavenly  song  doth  share. 


HOPES  AND  YEARNINGS  HEAVENWARD.     161 


HYMN. 

THE  PLEASURES  OF  SERVING  THE  REDEEMER. 

I  will  be  glad,  and  serve  rny  God ; 

His  praise  is  my  delight ; 
Ye  who  temptation's  paths  have  trod, 

Come  and  enjoy  the  sight. 

Broad  as  a  river  rolls  His  grace, 

To  glory  as  the  sea ; 
How  dreary  were  this  desert  place, 

If  unrefreshed  by  Thee. 

Flowers  embellish  all  the  way, 
And  fragrance  stores  the  air ; 

How  bright  the  crystal  waters  play  ! 
The  breezes,  oh  how  fair  ! 

I'll  launch  my  shallop  on  the  stream, 

And  float  to  seas  above  ; 
Where  glory's  cloudless  sunshine  gleams, 

And  every  zephyr's  love. 


162  SACRED    LYRICS  J    OR, 


HYMN. 

SELFISHNESS   AKIN   TO   IDOLATRY. 

Lord,  may  Thy  love  prevent 

From  vile  idolatry, 
The  powers  Thy  gracious  mercy  lent, 

To  serve  and  worship  Thee. 

Through  all  the  earth,  the  rites 

Of  impious  worship  rise  ; 
And  man,  with  selfish  zeal  invites 

The  honours  of  the  skies. 

All  idols  bright  and  base, 
Worshipped  by  lust  alone, 

Are  vile  as  those  the  heathen  raise, 
The  lifeless  forms  of  stone. 

Draw  us  to  worship  Thee, 

With  hearts  constrained  by  love ; 
Then  shall  our  forms  of  service  be 

Suited  to  those  above. 


HOPES  AND  YEARNINGS  HEAVENWARD.     163 


HYMN. 

RETURN    OF   THE    SINNER   TO    GOD. 

For  Zion's  sake  the  Lord  proclaims 
The  message  of  His  grace  abroad  ; 

Rise,  sinners,  from  your  bonds  and  shame, 
Hail  the  arrival  of  your  God. 

"  I  will  not  hold  my  peace,"  (He  says,) 
"Until  the  righteousness  is  known," 
How  glorious  are  His  works  and  ways  ! 
What  consolations  are  His  own  ! 

If  such  His  grace,  and  such  His  will, 
Why  will  ye,  sinners,  dwell  in  death  ? 

Know,  your  return  He  waits  for  still, 
And  for  your  pleadings  grants  you  breath. 

That  God  who  stands  to  rescue  now, 
Shall  sit  in  judgment  when  above  ; 

Then  must  ye  'neath  his  vengeance  bow, 
If  ye  to  death  refuse  His  love. 


164  SACRED    LYRICS  ;    OR, 


HYMN. 


The  clouds  hang  in  darkness,  no  beauty  is  near, 
No  sounds  of  rejoicing,  no  music  I  hear; 
The  rough  tempest  lowers,  athwart  the  dim  sky, 
The  clouds  drop  in  showers, Christ  says,  "It  is  I." 

From  doubts  and  from  dangers  His  mercies  invite, 
Oppressed  and   disheartened,  lo  !  Christ   is   in 

sight  j 
In  my  sorrowful  story,  His  face  I  descry, 
From  His  palace  in  glory,  He  says,  "  It  is  I." 

Should  I  falter  and  stumble  on  poverty's  brink, 
Of  the  riches  of  Jesus  I'm  tempted  to  think  j 
When  passion  runs  riot,  and  faith  seems  to  die, 
My  rude  heart  to  quiet,  Christ  says,  "  It  is  I." 

In  perils  and  evils,  engendered  by  sin, 

A  word  from  the  Saviour  wakes  rapture  within ; 

Thus  always,  forever,  on  Christ  I  rely, 

To  each  meek  endeavour,  He  says,  "  It  is  I." 

Oh,  when  by  death  summoned,  this  body  I  leave, 
Forbid  me,  blest  Jesus,  to  weep  or  to  grieve ; 
But  steadily  rising,  hear  burst  from  the  sky, 
In  beauty  surprising,  the  voice,  "  It  is  I." 


HOPES  AND  YEARNINGS  HEAVENWARD.     165 


HYMN. 

LIFE    AFFLICTIVE,    HEAVEN   ENRAPTURING   AND    HOLY. 

"Why  should  we  love  to  linger  here, 

In  this  cold  house  of  clay, 
Since  life  is  but  a  smile,  a  tear, 

As  quickly  passed  away. 

The  harvest  hath  its  golden  fruits, 

The  summer  its  perfume, 
And  learning  may  her  rare  pursuits 

Relinquish,  or  resume. 

Sealed  in  the  grave  we  soon  forget, 
"What  life-long  study  gained  ; 

The  ear  in  icy  stillness  set, 

Is  startled,  pleased,  nor  pained. 

But  there's  a  life  serener,  high, 
More  beauteous,  fixed,  and  bright ; 

Thither  the  Christian's  languid  eye, 
Turns,  and  adores  the  sight. 

Oh,  might  I  tell  its  meanest  charms, 
How  should  I  sweep  my  lyre ; 

Press,  Christian,  to  thy  Saviour's  arms, 
And  catch  the  expectant  fire. 
15 


1H6  sacred  lyrics;  or, 


EVENING  HYMN. 

Now  I  retire  from  turmoil,  care, 
To  breathe  my  humble  evening  prayer ; 
Lord  !  in  Thy  mercy  hear  my  plea, 
And  make  that  mercy  felt  by  me. 

How  sweet  to  slumber  and  recline, 
On  Thy  soft  breast,  Thy  arm  divine  ; 
This  night  Thy  former  kindness  prove, 
And  all  frivolities  remove. 

Let  no  rude  fear  disturb  my  rest, 
No  pang  intrude  within  my  breast ; 
No  relics  of  laborious  life, 
Harass  my  spirit  with  their  strife. 

Grant  my  tranquility  to  be, 

A  type,  though  faint,  of  heaven  and  Thee  j 

So  may  my  every  night  disclose, 

Some  fitness  for  my  last  repose. 


HOPES  AND  YEARNINGS  HEAVENWARD. 


HYMN. 

TREASURES   IN    HEAVEN. 

Small  though  my  treasure  here, 

Above  my  treasures  lie ; 
No  wicked  hand  can  wrest  them  there, 

Beneath  my  Saviour's  eye. 

He  purchased  it  with  love, 
And  while  His  love  endures, 

No  man  or  angel  may  remove, 
That  which  His  power  secures. 

It  hourly  beauteous  grows, 
And  shall  at  death  be  mine ; 

To  count  while  love  celestial  flows, 
And  Jesus  is  divine. 

Forever  this  must  be, 

My  life  is  joined  to  His ; 
Unending  as  eternity, 

The  Christian's  glory  is. 


108  sacred  lyrics  ;  or, 


HYMN. 

THE    SINNER   TRIUMPHANT    THROUGH   GRACE. 

Marvel  not  if  sinners  hate  you, 
Saints  !  by  Jesus  called  and  loved ; 

Pain  and  evil  may  await  you, 
Never  from  your  faith  be  moved. 

Jesus  strengthens ; 
Never  from  your  faith  be  moved. 

You  have  passed  from  wrath  to  favor ; 

Praises  to  a  Saviour's  name  ! 
Fear  not,  faint  not,  never  waver, 

Press  to  glory  and  the  Lamb. 
Saints  reluctant ! 

Press  to  glory  and  the  Lamb. 

Death,  the  last  of  foes  shall  perish, 
Under  your  victorious  faith  \ 

Such  a  faith  all  saints  should  cherish, 
Conqueror  of  sin  and  death. 

Noble  victor  ! 
Conqueror  of  sin  and  death. 

Then  your  pains,  your  troubles  ended, 
Nought  remains  but  rest  above ; 

Such  hath  mortal  tongue  transcended, 
Such  is  the  reward  of  love. 

Bright  enjoyment ! 
Such  is  the  reward  of  love. 


HOPES  AND  YEARNINGS  HEAVENWARD.     109 


HYMN. 


PROGRESS    IN   FAITH. 


Faint  o'er  the  eastern  hill, 
The  morning  sunshine  creeps; 

Calm,  beauteous,  gradual,  and  still, 
Its  glorious  progress  keeps. 

High  in  the  rosy  skies 

It  glimmers,  then  extends ; 

Plain,  mountain,  pasturage  it  dyes, 
There  floods  of  splendour  sends. 

The  fragrance  from  the  earth, 
The  music  from  the  trees, 

Rolls  in  incessant  fulness  forth, 
And  flutters  on  the  breeze. 

Thus  gradual  and  slow, 

Our  faith  in  Christ  doth  rise ; 

Till,  compassing  all  good  below. 
It  fills  with  joy  the  skies. 


15* 


]  70  SACRED    LYRICS  :    OR, 


HYMN. 

THE    SWEETNESS    OF   COMMUNION   WITH    SAINTS. 

There  is  a  calmness  fills  the  place, 

Where  saints,  convoked  by  Jesus  come, 

To  talk  of  love,  and  hope,  and  grace, 
Companions  to  a  heavenly  home. 

Each  spirit  loves  in  unison, 

Their  hymns  in  grateful  concord  rise, 
Each  renders  homage  to  the  Son, 

Their  source  of  rapture  in  the  skies. 

Their  songs  are  sweet,  but  sacred  love, 
Is  sweeter  than  these  hymns  express ; 

Their  souls  are  set  on  things  above, 
Not  trifles  which  the  vain  caress. 

They  meditate  on  all  the  good, 

Which  ministers  their  comfort  now ; 

For  home,  for  kindred,  friendship,  food, 
To  Grod,  while  humbly  praising,  bow. 


HOPES  AND  YEARNINGS  HEAVENWARD.     171 


HYMN. 

WAITING  FOR   THE   APPEARANCE   OF   THE   LORD. 

We  long  like  Simeon  to  behold, 

Thy  blest  salvation,  Lord,  draw  nigh, 

(By  prophecy  and  type  foretold,) 
Our  passport  to  the  land  on  high. 

Within  Thy  temple,  Lord,  we  wait, 
And  strive  to  catch  a  distant  ray ; 

Strong  faith  in  every  soul  create, 
And  purge  our  wicked  doubts  away. 

Like  Simeon,  let  our  arms  embrace 
The  child, — Christ  Jesus,  and  rejoice; 

The  wide  extension  of  His  grace, 

Wins  the  sweet  praise  of  soul  and  voice. 

In  peace,  we  servants  would  depart, 

To  joy  exalted  and  divine ) 
Jesus,  the  service  of  our  heart, 

To  everlasting  shall  be  Thine. 


172  sacred  lyrics;  or, 


HYMN. 

SECURITY  OF  THE   RIGHTEOUS. 

Let  wars  and  tumults  rock  the  land, 
And  oceans  wear  away  the  sand, 
Still  in  my  Saviour  I'm  secure, 
His  love,  His  darling  love  is  sure. 

Sure  at  all  seasons, — morn  and  night, 
Are  equal  to  His  glory, — bright ; 
Summer  and  winter,  shew  the  same, 
Rich  tide  of  blessings  by  His  name. 

Ah,  were  this  world  combined  my  foe, 
I  could  to  his  dear  bosom  go ; 
And  there  unfailing  blessings  find, 
From  a  sweet  Saviour,  true  and  kind. 

This  world  a  thousand  foes  contains, 
And  every  foe  imparts  my  pains; 
But  in  His  calm,  refreshing  breast, 
There's  comfort,  glory,  joy,  and  rest. 


HOPES   AND    YEARNINGS    HEAVENWARD.  17^ 


HYMN. 
HOPING   FOR    HEAVEN. 

Fair  land,  where  my  spirit  is  hasting, 

I  long  to  thy  haven  to  fly ; 
There  beings  of  beauty  are  tasting, 

The  fruits  of  Christ's  favor  on  high. 

Though  cumbered  and  wayworn  and  weary 
My  soul  is  refreshed  by  His  love ; 

Who  bends  from  its  borders  to  cheer  me, 
'Till  seated  in  rapture  above. 

To  every  sincere  resolution, 

Some  thwarting  occurrence  I  find; 

The  world  is  a  scene  of  pollution, 
Our  very  best  love  is  unkind. 

No  wonder  the  soul  is  found  longing, 
For  mansions  of  beauty  and  light ; 

Where  angels  and  seraphs  are  thronging 
The  portals  and  pavements  so  bright. 

Dear  Jesus,  dear  Jesus,  the  splendour, 
Of  Paradise  kindles  my  love  ; 

My  homage,  oh  soon  may  I  render, 
To  Thee,  'mid  Thy  angels  above. 


174  sacred  lyrics;  or, 


HYMN. 

PARTIAL  HAPPINESS    OP  THE    SAINT  IN   PROBATION. 

The  saints  but  partial  glory  see, 
While  journeying  to  heaven  and  Thee; 
A  lingering  lust,  a  wandering  pain, 
Becurs  their  surveys  to  restrain. 

Now  they  desire  to  see  Thy  face. 
And  nourish  in  Thy  heavenly  place ; 
Now  faith  their  flattering  souls  inspires, 
By  visions  of  their  blest  desires. 

This  flesh  shall  crumble  to  its  clay, 
This  world's  great  glory  pass  away, 
Arrangements,  beauties,  arts  decline, 
Beneath  the  power  of  G-od  divine. 

Then  shall  they  rise  to  lands  above, 
And  flourish  on  Jehovah's  love; 
Corruption  ne'er  their  joys  obscure, 
For  they  through  Jesus  all  are  pure. 


HOPES  AND  YEARNINGS  HEAVENWARD.     17-5 


HYMN. 

EARTH   INSIGNIFICANT   COMPARED   TO   HEAVEN. 

Ye  splendid  prospects,  earthly  scenes, 
Which  with  fair  beauty  intervene, 

'Twixt  my  dear  Lord  and  me  ; 
Pass  from  before  my  charmed  sight, 
That  Jesus,  clothed  in  robes  of  light, 

I  may  with  rapture  see. 

My  soul  is  breaking  for  the  sound, 
To  roll  along  the  tedious  ground, — 

"  Come  sinner  !  here  is  peace ; 
"  Not  like  the  pleasures  men  produce, 
"  To  perish  in  their  early  use, 

"  But  joy  to  never  cease." 

Ah,  yes  !  I  hear  that  happy  voice, 
My  soul !  in  that  sweet  strain  rejoice ; 

It  is  thy  heavenward  call; 
Obey  the  message  you  receive, 
Be  glad,  comply,  accept,  believe, 

And  yield  your  God  your  all. 

Then  hark  !  the  whisper  now  is  here, 
"  Soul !  cast  away  your  sorrow,  fear, 

"  I'll  clothe  you  with  my  love  ; 
"  1  will  that  you  such  glory  own, 
"  As  wanders  from  my  heavenly  throne, 

"  Come,  soul !  oh  come  above." 


176  SACRED    LYRICS  ;    OR, 


HYMN. 

CHRIST    SUFFERING   FOR    SINNERS. 

Thou  careless  sinner  !  come  and  view, 

The  Saviour  upon  Calvary  ; 
All  the  sharp  pains,  the  scorn  He  knew, 

He  witnessed  and  endured  for  thee. 

Ah  yes,  for  thee  He  took  our  clay, 
For  thee  He  bore  neglect  and  shame, 

For  thee  He  poured  His  life  away, 
A  sacrifice  for  sins  became. 

And  what  dost  thou  return  bis  love  ? 

What  gift  of  grateful  pleasure  bring; 
Angels  declare  that  Lord  above, 

To  be  their  Father  and  their  King. 

;Twas  but  for  man,  for  man  undone, 
Such  acts  of  holy  love  were  shewn ; 

Thou  sinner  !  haste,  to  Jesus  run, 
There  let  thy  grateful  love  be  known. 


HOPES    AND    YEARNINGS    HEAVENWARD. 


HYMN. 

COMFORT    TO    THE    PILGRIM   ZIONWARD. 

No  more  as  Zion's  exiles,  we 

Walk  joyless  up  life's  rugged  steep  ; 
Christ  is  our  light,  our  glory, — He 

Doth  us  through  long  afflictions  keep. 

The  day  once  distant,  now  so  near, 
Seems  breaking  o'er  the  eastern  hill  j 

At  its  bright  dawn  shall  disappear, 
Each  pain,  each  trouble,  doubt  and  ill. 

The  saints  from  earth's  great  quarters  come, 
To  swell  the  concert  of  His  praise, 

To  His  celebrity  and  home, 

Appropriate  songs  of  honour  raise. 

Faith  whispers  to  each  heart, — thy  God 
"  Has  called,  and  will  convey  thee  there, 

"  If  thou  wilt  follow  up  the  road, 

"  And  Christ's  appointed  burden  bear." 


16 


178  SACKED    LYRICS  ;    OR, 


HYMN. 

CHRISTIAN   FELLOWSHIP. 

How  pleasant  'tis  in  love  to  meet, 
Our  fellow-kinsmen  of  the  flesh ; 

Our  Saviour's  mercies  to  repeat, 

And  thus  our  faith  and  hope  refresh. 

His  gifts  of  goodness  ne'er  reduce, 
His  mercy's  all  abundant  store; 

Thousands  we  subject  to  abuse, 
Yet  He  affords  us  thousands  more. 

Employment  how  delightful !  thus 
To  wander  o'er  his  path's  of  love, 

Conscious  He  hath  prepared  for  us, 
Some  purer,  higher  joys  above. 

Gladly  we  breast  the  world  anew, 

In  expectation  of  the  day; 
The  crown  of  glory  we'll  pursue, 

'Till  borne  to  heavenly  joys  away. 


HOPES  AND  YEARNINGS  HEAVENWARD.     179 


HYMN. 

god's  covenant  with  his  people. 

"  This  is  my  covenant/'  saith  God. 

"  Here  witness  my  attesting  hand; 
"  They  who  my  paths  of  honor  tread, 

"  Shall  in  eternal  glory  stand. 

"  I  raise  the  humble,  I  abase 

"  The  boastful  to  humility; 
"I  spread  my  mercy,  hope,  and  grace, 

"  O'er  island,  continent,  and  sea. 

"  Proud  are  my  messengers  to  fly 

"  Through  the  vast  universe,  and  tell, 

"  The  glory  of  the  saints  on  high, 
"  The  agony  of  souls  in  hell. 

"  Forever  !  is  the  term  of  mine 
"  Almighty  and  unfailing  love ; 

"  Sinner  !  this  endless  love  is  thine, 
"  If  thou  for  pardon  ask  above." 


180  SACRED    LYRICS  ;    OR, 


HYMN. 

THE   WAY   OF   PEACE. 

The  way  of  peace,  ah,  who  may  tread  ? 

Mortal  is  this  thy  quest  sincere ; 
All  who  the  Saviour's  precepts  read, 

Discover  the  instruction  there. 

A  narrow  way  !  yet  plain  and  straight, 
'Tis  wonderful  one  soul  should  stray ) 

High  at  its  close,  the  heavenly  gate, 
Stands  open  in  perpetual  day. 

The  way  of  peace  invites  us  on, 
When  once  we  enter  its  confines ; 

It  bids  our  darkest  doubts  begone, 

For  there  the  Saviour's  presence  shines. 

Souls  unregenerate  and  base, 

May  miss  the  path,  and  stumbling,  die ; 
Whilst  they  who  walk  love's  peaceful  ways, 

Shall  reach  their  glory  in  the  sky. 


HOPES  AND  YEARNINGS  HEAVENWARD.     181 


HYMN. 

ZEAL   IN   THE   SERVICE    OP   IMMANUEL. 

Men  of  Israel !  Ye  who  joy, 
In  your  Father's  sweet  employ, 
Let  your  service  wide  attest, 
That  in  Jesus,  ye  are  blest. 

'Tis  in  Him  ye  live  and  move, 
By  Him  hope  to  sit  above ; 
Through  Him  for  full  pardon  plead, 
Of  Him  may  rejoice  indeed. 

Multiply  your  acts  of  praise, 
Here  increase  your  holy  lays ; 
In  the  concourse  of  His  friends, 
Bless  Him  for  the  gifts  He  sends. 

Joyful  season  !  we  shall  come, 
After  all,  to  God  at  home ; 
Endless  shall  our  glory  prove, 
Jesus  bears  unending  love. 


16* 


182  SACRED    LYRICS  ;    OR, 


HYMN. 

HAPPINESS    OP   THE   SAINTS   IN   GLORY. 

The  saints  when  translated  above, 
How  happy  with  Jesus  to  meet ; 

To  rest  on  the  bosom  of  love, 

Say,  will  not  the  blessing  be  sweet. 

No  groans,  nor  entreaties,  nor  sighs, 
Shall  ever  intrude  on  their  joy; 

No  anguish  and  sorrow  arise, 
Their  intercourse  then  to  annoy. 

The  tears  in  their  pilgrimage  shed, 
Shall  never  in  paradise  fall; 

The  sickness  of  heart  and  of  head, 
Shall  never  their  pleasures  appal. 

Thrice  happy  !  thrice  happy  !  the  saint, 
Whose  home  is  forever  on  high ; 

His  love  ne'er  shall  falter  or  faint, 
His  soul  from  her  palaces  fly. 

The  river  of  life,  is  her  bliss, 

The  sunshine  of  heaven,  her  rest ; 

0,  Saviour,  my  spirit  dismiss, 

To  wander  and  praise  with  the  blest. 


HOPES  AND  YEARNINGS  HEAVENWARD.     183 


HYMN. 


CONFIDENCE    IN    GOD. 


The  soul  that  resteth  on  the  Lord, 
Has  peace  on  earth,  in  heaven  reward; 
No  arm  shall  shake  it,  or  remove 
Its  strong  foundation,  rock  of  love. 

Come  grief,  confusion,  or  dismay, 
God  banishes  its  fears  away ; 
The  splendors  of  his  glory  shed, 
Light  all  around,  all  overhead. 

It  cannot  languish,  thus  sustained, 
God  hath  its  joy,  its  strength  retained; 
He  grants  some  grateful,  sweet  supplies, 
When  foes  surround,  when  dangers  rise. 

His  latest  accents  breathed  below, 
His  steadfast  strength,  his  comfort  show; 
Borne  to  his  glorious  God  above, 
He  leans  forever  on  His  love. 


184  sacked  lyrics;  or, 


HYMN. 


THE   PROMISES    OP   GOD. 


Mountains  may  from  their  beds  depart, 
From  their  foundations  hills  be  moved ; 

His  kindness  shall  not  leave  the  heart 
The  everlasting  Father  loved. 

Hath  He  not  spoken  comfort  sweet, 
Hath  Be  not  promised  to  defend, 

To  those  who  gather  at  His  feet, 

And  those  who  style  Him,  Father,  friend. 

What  He  hath  spoken  He'll  maintain ; 

What  He  hath  promished  shall  appear ; 
His  tongue  ne'er  utters  language  vain, 

His  promises  ne'er  fail  through  fear. 

We  may  rely  upon  His  word, 
If  providence  be  dark  or  bright ; 

'  Twill  quiet  doubt  to  know  the  Lord, 
Doth  lead  us  thus  to  glory's  light. 

He  orders  and  ordains  our  ways, 

He  leads  us  to  a  final  rest, 
Where  we  may  sing  unbroken  praise, 

Where  we  may  reign  with  Jesus,  blest. 


HOPES  AND  YEARNINGS  HEAVENWARD.     18i 


HYMN. 

THE    DANGEROUS    CONDITION   OF   THE   UNREGENERATE. 

We  sleep  while  death  invades 

The  premises  of  friends  ; 
"While  healthful  bloom  to  pallor  fades, 

Beauty  to  dust  descends. 

Thus,  while  sin's  dreadful  state, 

Doth,  unrelieved  possess 
Some  cherished  heart,  we,  careless  wait, 

'Till  hope  is  less  and  less. 

Those  hearts  some  feeling  own, 

It  faileth  every  day  ; 
Well  might  we  their  dread  state  bemoan, 

For  their  deliverance  pray. 

Let  us  the  remedy, 

Persuade  these  souls  to  use  ; 
Then  may  they  their  condition  see, 

Nor  life  eternal  lose. 


186  SACRED    LYRICS  :    OR, 


HYMN. 

AFFLICTIONS   TEMPORARY  TO   THE    SAINT. 

Our  light  afflictions  earthward  press, 
And  wound  the  timid  nature  long ; 

Thence  we  arise  to  joyfulness, 
And  make  deliverance  our  song. 

They  work  our  glory  when  we  pass, 
From  this  secluded,  changeful  spot ; 

Each  Christian  aid  from  Jesus  has, 
Or  Jesus  would  be  oft  forgot. 

Eternal  weight  of  glory  !  high, 
Unmeasured,  beautiful,  and  grand ; 

Why,  oh  my  gentle  Saviour,  why, 
Does  my  sad  heart  thus  distant  stand. 

Press  on,  my  flagging  spirit,  fly, 

Eternity  is  just  above  ; 
Will  you  in  wretched  anguish  lie, 

When  you  might  sweetly  rest  in  love. 


HOPES  AND  YEARNINGS  HEAVENWARD.     18, 


HYMN. 

THE    REWARD    OF    THE    RIGHTEOUS. 

A  crown  of  stars  !  all  richly  set, 

How  beautiful,  how  bright ; 
Each  doth  some  different  ray  beget, 

And  every  gem  is  light. 

A  crown  of  stars  !  by  Jesus  given, 

How  valuable  the  price, 
That  purchased  this  choice  gift  of  heaven  ; 

Christ's  blood  a  sacrifice  ! 

Unworthy  I  to  self  appear, 

While  on  His  love  I  gaze ; 
And  mercy's  pleasant  music  hear, 

'Mid  sin's  obscuring  haze. 

But  Christ,  with  His  own  love  shall  give, 

That  glorious  crown  to  me  ; 
Now  let  me  on  His  promise  live, 

'Till  I  His  glory  see. 


188  SACRED  lyrics;   or, 


HYMN. 

CHRIST   LOVELY   AND   PRECIOUS. 

Christ  is  precious,  Christ  is  lovely, 

Many  souls  abuse  His  love ; 
Wander  in  the  paths  unholy, 

Never  to  ascend  above  ; 
Lack  of  wisdom ! 

To  abuse  a  Saviour's  love. 

Guilt  alone  is  our  possession, 

Christ  would  pardon,  Christ  would  sate  ; 
Pardon  each  unkind  transgression  ; 

Will  ye  this  dear  pardon  have  ? 
Awful  insult ! 

Will  ye  Hell's  delusion  crave  ? 

Turn  not  from  the  source  of  favor, 

To  a  world  conceived  in  sin ; 
Say  ye  will  serve  Christ  forever, 

Sinners  !  now  in  love  begin  ; 
Oh  how  blessed  ! 

Crowns  of  endless  joy  to  win  ! 

When  by  angels  heavenward  taken, 
Earth  will  vanish  from  your  eyes, 

Ye  will  not  be  then  forsaken, 

He  will  cheer  ye  from  the  skies ; 

Bright  departure  ! 
Sinners  !  to  His  glory  rise. 


HOPES  AND  YEARNINGS  HEAVENWARD.     189 


HYMN. 

JESUS    OFFERING    HOPE   AND   PEACE. 

Jesus  calls  us  to  His  glory, 

Hear  the  music  of  His  voice  ; 
Hark  to  His  delightful  story, — 
"  Sinner  !  in  My  love  rejoice." 

Saints  and  angels  bow  before  Him, 
Shouting  His  immortal  praise; 

Shining  seraphs  there  adore  Him, 
Hymns  of  highest  rapture  raise. 

See  !  He  stands  with  arms  extended, 
On  that  bosom  sorrow  dies  j 

Let  us  by  His  grace  befriended, 
Happy  to  His  glory  rise. 

Let  us  not  delay  the  meeting, 
Soul  with  Saviour,  faith  with  love  \ 

But  His  favor-gifts  repeating, 
Fly  to  His  sweet  rest  above. 


17 


190  SACRED    LYRICS  :    OR, 


HYMN. 

THE  SOUL  ESTABLISHED  UPON  CHRIST'S  IMMUTABILITY. 

Decay  has  laid  her  mouldering  hand, 

On  all  things  mutable  ; 
Like  buildings  reared  upon  the  sand, 

They  totter,  break,  and  fall. 

These  tenements,  which,  warm,  contain, 

The  soul  that  cannot  die, 
Shall  soon  relapse  to  earth  again, 

Where  their  dear  kindred  lie. 

But  its  bright  occupant  shall  fly, 

To  happy  scenes  above  j 
And  there,  'mid  kindred  glories  lie, 

Calm  on  the  breast  of  love. 

Beloved  of  Jesus,  it  has  laid 

Its  faith  upon  His  breast ; 
And  thus,  on  sweetest  comfort  stay'd, 

It  mounts  to  sweetest  rest. 


HOPES  AND  YEARNINGS  HEAVENWARD.     191 


HYMN. 

ACCESSIONS  OF  GLORY  TO  THE  CHURCH. 

To  Zion's  green  and  spacious  mount, 
Accessions  of  new  glories  come ; 

There,  saints,  Thy  mercies,  Lord,  recount, 
And  haste,  in  beauty,  heavenward,  home. 

Each  quarter  of  the  globe  supplies 

Some  quickened  stranger  to  Thy  grace ; 

The  ample  riches  of  the  skies, 
Are  welcomed  by  a  ruined  race. 

Jesus,  Thy  love  leads  souls  to  sing 

Of  pardon,  peace,  and  hope  of  heaven  ; 

And  to  the  mount  of  mercy  bring, 
The  story  of  their  sins  forgiven. 

Dear  Zion  shall  adorn  and  bless 

This  earth,  till  days  millennial  rise ; 

And  saints  shall  sing  her  holiness, 
When  seated  perfect  in  the  skies. 


192  sacred  lyrics;  or, 


HYMN. 


Religion  is  the  modest  flower, 
In  some  secluded,  quiet  scene ; 

Though  fragile,  yet  possessed  of  power, 
That  animates  its  stem  unseen. 

Oft  unobserved,  and  thus  unknown, 
It  sheds  its  scent,  and  shows  its  dyes ; 

Perhaps,  of  its  sweet  race,  alone 
To  beautify  the  place  it  rise. 

Each  wandering  zephyr  bears  away 
Some  perfume  from  its  velvet  lips  ) 

The  bee  that  thither  loves  to  stray, 
There  a  delightful  sweetness  sips. 

Perchance  to  some  far-distant  place, 
Its  fragrance,  gently  wafted,  goes ; 

They  who  may  not  the  zephyr  trace, 
Know  it  has  visited  a  rose. 

Thus  the  sweet  fragrance  of  that  love, 
That  quickens  the  repentant  heart, 

Doth  God's  delightful  presence  prove, 
And  to  the  faithful,  joy  impart. 


HOPES  AND  YEARNINGS  HEAVENWARD.     193 


HYMN. 

CALL  TO  REPENTANCE  AND  PEACE. 

Sinner  !  Is  it  well  with  thee  ? 

Jesus  puts  the  question  now ) 
Lord  of  highest  glory,  He, 

How  compassionate  to  bow. 

For  thy  own  eternal  good, 

He  solicits  a  reply; 
Once  His  statutes  thou  withstood, 

Dost  thou  now  His  grace  deny. 

See  !  He  lingers,  lingers  near, 
Oh  how  lovely  is  His  grace  ! 

See !  there  trickles  oft  a  tear, 
Down  his  mild,  benignant  face. 

Soon  I  fear  He  will  depart, 
If  thou  the  reply  postpone  ; 

Now  in  look,  in  voice,  in  heart, 
Thy  sad  situation  own. 

Thou  art  happy  in  His  breast, 
Blessedness  thy  heart  attends ; 

Daily  to  His  mount  of  rest, 
Joyful  thy  swift  feet  ascend. 
17* 


194  SACRED   LYRICS  ;    OR, 


HYMN. 

CHRIST  THE  SINNER'S  REFUGE. 

Could  Jesus  fluctuate,  to  whom 
Should  man's  abandoned  spirit  fly 

For  shelter,  when  the  storm  shall  come. 
To  rock  the  globe,  and  rend  the  sky. 

His  covenant  with  His  faithful  sons, 

Eternal  as  His  glory  is ; 
The  deeds  His  holy  hands  have  done, 

Confirm  His  holy  promises. 

Unchangeable  their  hope  must  be, 

Since  Christ's  unchanging  love  is  theirs; 

Termless  as  bright  eternity, 
It  owns  no  cycles  and  no  years. 

Jesus  will  keep  His  promise  well, 
His  covenant,  as  His  love  is  firm, 

Pure,  glorious  indestructible, 

To  save  from  vengeance,  wrath,  and  storm. 


HOPES  AND  YEARNINGS  HEAVENWARD.     195 


HYMN. 

CALL  TO  REJOICING  IN  LOVE. 

Why  should  the  Christian  be  shrouded  with 
sorrow, 
Why  should  he  mourn  'neath  the  ills  which 
invade, 
Dark  is  the  present,  but  wait  for  the  morrow, 
Wait  till  its  brightness  disperseth  the  shade. 

Will  it  disperse  it  ?  Oh  doubt  not, — the  finger 
That  governs  the  universe,  governs  thy  lot ; 

Will  it  disperse  it  ?   beneath  the  cross  linger, 
Thou  art  not  safe  when  away  from  that  spot. 

Thy  light  is  come  if  the  saviour  thou  lovest, 
No  light  so  pure  as  the  light  from  his  brow  ! 

Thy  light  is  come  if  thy  conduct  approvest, 
Thy  solitude  prayer  and  thy  consecrate  vow. 

Thy  light  is  come  if  thy  friendship  is  given, 
Full,  free,  unreserved  to  the  Father  above ; 

Thy  light  is  come,  if  thy  treasure's  in  heaven, 
Concentred  in  mercy,  encompassed  by  love. 


196  sacred  lyrics:  or, 


HYMN. 

SOLICITING  THE  GRACE  OF   THE  SAVIOUR. 

Before  the  Lord  our  hearts  we  place, 
Sick,  careless,  destitute  of  grace  ; 
Oh  that  our  Father  would  declare, 
His  majesty  and  glory  there. 

When  He  beholds  the  sinner  bent, 
Hears  him  in  agony  repent, 
Joy  thrills  His  heart,  the  heavens  resound, 
The  tidings  of  a  sinner  found. 

Once  at  His  feet,  He  loves  to  grant, 
That  grace  for  which  believers  pant ; 
Knowing  that  we  are  frail  and  faint, 
His  special  strength  attends  the  saint. 

Up,  up  to  glory  in  the  skies, 
He  helps  the  toiling  saint  to  rise ; 
The  last  below,  the  first  above, 
Of  toil  and  triumph  is  of  love. 


HOPES  AND  YEARNINGS  HEAVENWARD.     19' 


HYMN. 

THE    MERCY   OF    GOD    THE    FATHER. 

Behold  what  love  the  Father  bore, 

To  a  rebelling  race  ; 
Of  mercy,  an  abundant  store, 

And  large  amount  of  grace. 

As  children  of  the  food  partake, 
Their  gentle  parents  give  \ 

We  are  received  for  Jesus'  sake, 
And  on  His  mercies  live. 

Impartial  is  His  love  to  us, 
The  terms  of  pardon,  sweet ; 

Gentle  the  bands  of  righteousness, 
And  in  His  strength,  complete. 

Our  duty  and  our  pleasure  too, 
Is  strong  and  faithful  love, 

Which  daily  will  but  brighter  grow, 
As  we  to  glory  move. 


198  SACRED   LYRICS  :    OR, 


HYMN. 

THE  COURTS  OF  THE  LORD  ALWAYS  DELIGHTFUL. 

Within  Thy  sacred  courts, 

My  sweetest  hours  I  spend  j 
There  Thy  meek  saint  with  praise  resorts, 

There  Thy  unfaltering  friend. 

Passion  forbears  her  part, 

And  rude  resentment  dies ; 
Eternal  love  in  every  heart, 

Eternal  joy  supplies. 

The  angels  bend  to  see, 

A  sight  so  calm,  so  fair ) 
And  hover  from  eternity, 

To  lend  their  glory  there. 

G-od  with  delight  surveys, 

The  homage  that  I  give ; 
How  happy  are  my  earthly  days, 

While  near  His  throne  I  live. 

But  when  redeemed  by  grace, 

I  look  on  Him  above, 
No  danger  shall  my  rest  displace, 

Or  dim  my  burning  love. 


HOPES  AND  YEARNINGS  HEAVENWARD.     199 


HYMN. 

THE    ONLY   WAY   TO    HEAVEN. 

God  hath  appointed  for  the  race, 
A  road  to  glory,  ample,  free ; 

Behold  !  it  is  accepted  grace, 
A  road  the  very  blind  may  see. 

Jesus  conducts  the  soul  along, 
Consenting  mercy  to  accept ; 

His  love  is  saving,  rich,  and  strong, 
His  love  hath  thousand  sinners  kef  t. 

How  sweet  His  conversation  flows, 
How  grateful  to  commune  with  God ; 

He  all  my  secret  sorrow  knows  ; 
Jesus  affliction's  journey  trod. 

How  can  I  wander  whilst  with  Him  ? 

"Would  Jesus  lead  my  soul  astray  ? 
Can  heavenly  glory  e'er  be  dim, 

While  walking  up  the  heavenly  way. 

Accepted  grace  !  this  is  the  path, 
That  closes  in  a  happy  state ; 

Beyond  its  borders  burns  His  wrath, 
In  terror  as  His  mercy, — great. 


200  SACRED   LYRICS  ;  OR, 


HYMN. 
god's  vineyard  unfruitful. 

Saviour  !  Thy  vineyard  droops  and  fades, 
No  more  the  weary  pilgrim  shades ; 
No  wholesome  fruit,  no  cheering  wine, 
In  plenty  flows,  in  beauty  shine. 

Send  cheerful  showers,  abundant  rain, 
'Till  earth  no  moisture  can  contain; 
The  sunshine  of  Thy  mercy  pour, 
Her  pillars  and  her  worship  o'er. 

Thy  course  of  kindness  there  resume, 
Her  barrenness  restore  to  bloom, 
Give  ear  unto  her  grievous  cries, 
Let  comforts  answer  to  her  cries. 

Then  will  Thy  vineyard  thrive  and  shine, 
Abundant  in  her  fruit  and  vine  ) 
Then  will  Thy  Zion's  glories  rise, 
In  swift  succession  to  the  skies. 


HOPES    AND   YEARNINGS    HEAVENWARD.  201 

HYMN. 
REJOICING    IN   PROSPECT    OF   DELIVERANCE    FROM    SIN. 

Restorer  of  happiness,  Saviour  above, 

Exalt  the  sad  hearts  of  Thy  servants  below ; 

Refresh  them  with  draughts  of  Thy  plenteous 
love, 
And  bid  their  rejoicings  like  rivers  o'erflow. 

The  fruits  which  they  pluck  nought  but  ashes 
contain, 
The  waters  they  drink  how  unpleasant  they 
are; 
They  pant  some  sweet  rill  with  Thy  pleasure  to 
drain, 
Some  heart-cheering  fruitage  to  pluck  and  to 
share. 

They  groan  in  deep  gloom,  in  the  valley  they  toil, 
Oh  how  they  have  longed,  and  do  long  to 
ascend, 
"Where  dimness  and  dampness  obscure  not,  or 
soil, 
And  pinions  of  glory  enrapturing  bend. 

Saints  wish  for  the  dawning,  the  beautiful  day, 

Millennial  glory  !  oh  when  shall  it  rise, 
To  banish  the  banners  of  darkness  away, 

And  usher  bright  legions  through  jubilant 
skies. 

18 


202  sacked  lyrics;  or, 

Redeemer  and  Ruler,  Restorer  and  King, 

In  swift  revolution  produce  those  dear  days ; 
When  all  'neath  the  skies  and  above  them  shall 
bring, 
Some  fruits  to  Thy  glory,  some  songs  to  Thy 
praise. 


HYMN. 

JESUS    THE    LIGHT    OF   NATIONS. 

Saviour  !  Morning-star  arise  ! 

Dark  and  dreary  is  the  night ; 
O'er  the  dimness  of  the  skies, 

Stream  Thy  ever-glorious  light. 

Superstition  holds  her  sway, 
Souls  the  subject  of  her  power ; 

Danger,  terror,  and  dismay, 

Linger  round  this  dreadful  hour. 

Saviour  !  shed  Thy  gracious  smile, 
Over  mountain,  lake  and  sea; 

Let  each  long  neglected  isle, 
Circled  with  Thy  glory  be. 

May  the  sons  of  guilt  and  gloom, 
Run,  Thy  rising  ray  to  meet ; 

'Till  there  scarcely  shall  be  room, 
For  the  weary  pilgrim's  feet. 


HOPES  AND  YEARNINGS  HEAVENWARD.     203 

Then,  in  Thy  capacious  love, 

Take  them  to  Thy  beauteous  skies,  — 
Land  of  life  and  joy  above  ) 

Saviour  !  Morning  Star  arise. 


HYMN. 

zion's  conquests. 

Break  forth  into  singing,  ye  mountains  of  old, 

Send  up  your  delectable  strains  ; 
The  glories  of  Zion,  God's  heavenly  fold, 
No  more  shall  be  plucked  at  or  slavishly  sold, 
Her  wealth  doth  surpass  sceptres,  kingdoms  and 
gold, 

And  souls  are  her  costliest  gain. 

The  potsherds  of  earth  for  dominion  may  strive, 

And  revel  in  impotent  glee; 
Jehovah  hath  harnessed  His  powerful  car, 
He  snuffs  up  the  breath  of  His  foes  from  afar, 
Sends  lightnings  and  earthquakes  their  conquests 
to  mar, 

While  death  wins  his  prey  as  they  flee. 

Their  efforts  He  frustrates,  exposes  their  signs, 
Their  symbols  of  power  confounds  ; 

He  pitcheth  His  tent  on  their  desolate  lines, 

Destroys   their   high   forests,   untraileth    their 
vines, 

Their  tall  habitations  to  ruin  consigns, 
And  blasts  the  rich  fruit  of  their  grounds. 


204  sacked  lyrics;  or, 

Lo  !  Israel  rises  in  splendour  and  might, 

In  lands  of  oppression  and  shame  j 
The  lustre  of  morning  succeedeth  her  night, 
The  beauty  of  fruitage  her  desolate  blight, 
The  path  of  her  leader  is  pleasant  and  bright, 
And  heaven  her  ultimate  aim. 

The  cities  of  Judah,  Jehovah  will  build, 

Her  palaces  plundered  shall  spring ; 
Refreshed  with  the  blood  in  her  suiferings  spilled, 
Her  borders  with  stateliest  sights  shall  be  filled, 
Her  enemies  broken,  or  powerless,  stilled, 
Shall  bow  to  her  Helper  and  King. 


HOPES  AND  YEARNINGS  HEAVENWARD.     205 


HYMN. 

CONFESSIONS    OF    INGRATITUDE. 

Adorable  Saviour  !  I  here  would  confess. 

My  lengthened  unkindness,  my  diffidence  cold ; 

Each  day  that  has  dawned  found  my  gratitude 
less, 
My  heart  in  persisting  impenitence  bold. 

As  zephyrs  soft  murmur  Thy  spirit  did'st  steal, 
On  the  rough  icy  caverns  my  heart  has  com- 
prised ; 

In  their  frozen  abysses  self-love  did  conceal, 
The  idols  her  senseless  adoption  baptized. 

It  breathed,  —  and   my  soul  in  rejection  grew 
dark, 
My  conscience  reproached  me, — oh  sorrowful 
state ; 
Quenched  was  it  forever  that  glorious  spark, 
Did  my  soul  from  her  lethargy  waken  too  late  ? 

Oh,  no  !  there  is  mercy,  I  feel  it,  I  know  ; 
The  Saviour  has  welcomed    with  smiles  my 
return 
There  is  hope,  there  is  joy,  there  are  blessings 
below, 
I  feel  in  my  heart  that  they  cluster  and  burn. 
18* 


206  SACRED   LYRICS  ;    OR, 

HYMN. 

"  THAT   WHICH    REMAINETH   IS    GLORIOUS.' 

That  which  reuiaineth  is  glorious, 
Jesus  the  banquet  hath  spread ; 

Sinners  by  faith  made  victorious, 
Upward  to  glory  are  led. 

On  His  dear  bosom  reclining, 
Anguish  and  want  bid  adieu ; 

There  is  the  sunlight's  clear  shining, 
There  the  broad  archway  of  blue. 

Angels  ascending,  descending, 
Carry  their  burdens  to  Grod ; 

Chorus  with  choir-note  blending, 
Chaunt  the  cold  dust  to  its  sod. 

Upward,  still  up  to  the  mountain, 
Reared  in  the  heavens  it  soars ; 

Up  to  the  clear  crystal  fountains, 
Bubbling  from  Paradise  shores. 

Hark  !  not  a  sigh,  not  a  murmur, 
Ruffles  its  roseate  wings ; 

Soft  as  the  breezes  of  summer, 
Sails  the  freed  soul  as  it  sings. 

That  which  remaineth  is  glorious, 
Is  the  new  theme  of  its  lays 3 

Jesus  hath  made  it  victorious, 
Jesus  deserveth  the  praise. 


HOPES  AND  YEARXIXGS  HEAVENWARD.     207 


HYMN. 

TRIUMPHS    OF   THE    GOSPEL. 

Thou  city  of  glory  arise  ! 

In  thee  is  Jehovah's  delight; 
Thy  rulers  are  holy  and  wise, 

And  saints  may  rejoice  in  their  sight. 

The  Lord  in  His  beauty  and  strength, 
Has  founded  thy  pillars  in  peace ; 

He  fixes  thy  breadth  and  thy  length, 
Thy  splendors  shall  surely  increase. 

The  Gentile  shall  come  at  His  voice, 
And  join  in  Thy  jubilant  praise; 

And  deserts  of  darkness  rejoice, 

Beneath  the  bright  reign  of  thy  days. 

The  mighty  Thy  councils  attend, 
And  dignities  plead  for  Thy  love  j 

E'en  kings  for  Thy  diadem  bend, 
And  press  for  the  prizes  above. 

Delightful  duration  of  joy, 

Advance  it  my  God  and  my  King; 
Dominions  of  darkness  destroy, 

And  saints  to  Thy  blessedness  bring. 


208  sacred  lyrics;  or, 


HYMN. 

THE    DOVE    OF    THE    DELUGE. 

The  dove  that  left  the  ancient  ark, 

With  buoyant  wing  the  floods  to  trace, 

Found  not  o'er  lengthened  leagues  a  mark 
Of  earth,  a  pleasant  resting  place. 

"With  ease  she  traversed  waters  dim, 
And  soared  the  tallest  mountains  o'er  \ 

She  found  of  continent  no  rim, 
Of  island  no  salubrious  shore. 

Again  the  fair  explorer  flew, 

And  with  an  olive  leaf  returned ; 

The  Patriarch  the  token  knew, 
Its  large  significance  had  learned. 

Thus  from  the  soul  convinced  of  sin, 
Hope  leaves  her  tenement  to  fly ; 

Conscious  of  no  calm  rest  within, 
She  ventures  to  explore  the  sky. 

Though  Satan  baffle  oft  her  mark, 
She  gains  the  olive  leaf  of  rest ; 

And  back  to  faith's  unbroken  ark, 

Wings  her  calm  way,  and  happy  breast. 


H0PE3  A5D  YEARXESGS  HEAVENWARD.     209 

HYMN. 

THE    HEIRSHIP    OF    THE    SAINTS    WITH    CHRIST. 

Because  ye  are  sons  ye  are  waiting  the  voice. 

Employed  by  your  Father,  to  call  you  at 
Ye  cannot,  while  absent,  completely  rejoice, 

God's  children  are  joyous  at  home  in  His  love. 

If  sons  of  the  Saviour,  then  heirs  of  His  crown, 
0,  thought  all  transporting  to  sinner- 

Ye  who  might  so  justly  have  dwelt  'neath  His 
frown, 
Permitted  to  rest  'neath  His  favor  and  smile. 

Yes,  heirs  of  His  kingdoms,  the  dwellings  of  light, 
Are  garnished  for  your  great  reception  on  high, 

And  angels,  with  garments  all  beautiful  bi 
To  clothe  and  adorn  ye,  from  Paradise  fly. 

Scarce,  scarce  is  the  body  deposited  here, 

'Mid  scenes  of  corruption,  'mid  signs  of  decay, 

Ere  spirits  exultant  from  glory  appear, 
To  bear  the  glad  soul  to  its  Saviour  away. 

Ye  pass  to  His  presence  at  once  and  reside 
In  mansions  eternal,  in  cities  of  rest ; 

There  shall  ye  forever  with  Jesus  abide, 
And  be  in  His  favor  eternally  blest. 

The  fruits  of  your  sonship  forever  shall  bring, 
Xew  honors  upon  y:>ur  bright  brow  to  des 

And  angels,  commissioned  by  Jesus,  their  KinLr, 
Forever  upon  your  high  movements  attend. 


210  SACRED    LTEICS;    OR, 

HYMN. 

THE  CONSTANT  PLEASURES  OF  THE  PIOUS. 

The  Lord  is  my  strength  and  my  song ! 

How  beautiful,  He,  how  divine ; 
He  shelters  my  spirit  from  wrong, 

And  cheers  me  when  left  to  repine. 

Rejoicings  shall  gladden  my  heart, 
Salvation  shall  be  my  delight, 

And  faith  in  each  desolate  part, 

Grow  brighter  'till  merging  in  sight. 

I  feast  on  the  fruits  of  His  grace, 
I  nourish  upon  His  right  hand ; 

I  see  in  the  smiles  of  His  face, 
My  pledge  of  a  paradise  land. 

I  linger  a  little  below, 

Submissive  to  God  and  His  love ; 
But  e'en  while  I  linger,  I  go, 

To  worship  my  Saviour  above. 

The  passage  to  heaven  is  short, 
A  sigh,  or  a  farewell,  'tis  o'er, 

And  I,  in  His  heavenly  court, 
Delighted,  do  praise  and  adore. 

Thus  truly  my  spirit  doth  find, 
The  Saviour's  salvation  is  sweet; 

My  God  through  all  changes  is  kind, 
Since  they  but  conduct  to  His  feet. 


HOPES    AND    YEASM>'G5    HEAYEKWAHD.  211 


HYMN. 

THE    PBOSPEKITT   OF  DOS. 

willows  near  a  water  seen. 
Thy  Church  in  bi 
Its  branches  flourishing  and  green, 
I ] r  stretch  the  peaceful  lands. 

High  in  its  limbs  tL :   - 
With  musie  store  the  air ; 

Gram  Thy  ancient  Ob 
Shed  equal  rapture  there. 

Each  wave  of  water  feeds  the  root, 
And  makes  it  flourish  strong  : 

grace  in  constant,  sweet  pursuit, 
Supplies  and  swells  her  song. 

Oh.  happy  Church  !  thy  honor  now, 

I'll  testify  and  sing  ; 
Th-:>u  righteous  God,  instruct  me  how, 

I  may  adore  Thee,  King. 


212  SACRED  lyrics;   or, 


HYMN. 

CHRIST   THE    SOURCE    OF    COMFORT. 

By  a  beautiful  river,  sad  pilgrim  and  dreary, 
There  stands  a  tall  tree,  dropping   coolness 
and  shade ; 
From  its  boughs,  hang  in  clusters,  sweet  fruit 
for  the  weary, 
Ne'er  known  to   diminish,  to   blight,  or  to 
fade. 

A  child  or  a  nation,  may  sit  'neath  its  branches, 

A  man,  or  a  world,  at  its  roots  may  recline ; 
E'en  the  juice  of  its  leaves,  the  deep  running 
wound  staunches, 
And  the  bark,  should  we  pierce,  emits  fra- 
grance divine. 

That  tree  is  the  Saviour,  and  mercy  the  river, 
Full,  bright,  always  flowing  in  sweet  healthful 
tide ; 

Capacious  and  rich  as  the  heavenly  giver, 
And  courting  thy  soul  on  its  bosom  to  glide. 

Embark,  gentle  pilgrim  ;  the  tree  on  its  border, 
Bears  fruit,  joy,  and  healing  to  each  trembling 
soul ; 
Restores  the  sad  heart  from  its  griefs  and  dis- 
order, 
And  makes  the  torn  spirit  eternally  whole. 


HOPES  AMD  YEARNINGS  HEAVENWARD.     213 


HYMN. 

THE    AFFECTION    OP    THE    SAVIOUR. 

The  voice  of  affection, 

How  sweet  to  my  soul ! 
When  seas  of  dejection, 
Around  darkly  roll. 
'Tis  Jesus  consoles  me,  by  whispers  of  love, 
And  sweetly  enrolls  me  for  glory  above. 

My  sadness  restraining, 
By  His  kind  appeal, 
I  lose  my  complaining, 
In  joy  that  I  feel; 
His  grace  like  good  leaven,  my  soul  spreadeth 

through, 
With  thirstings  for  heaven,  her  hopes  to  imbue. 

I  wonder  distresses, 

Should  ever  impel, 
The  soul  Jesus  bless  s, 
In  mourning  to  dwell. 
Since  Christ  is  so  gracious,  his  mercy  so  wide, 
His  love  so  capacious,  and  God  on  His  side. 
19 


214  sacred  lyrics;  or, 

But  pains  and  temptations, 

Will  press  me,  I  fear, 
Through  life's  permutations, 
'Till  glory  is  near. 
The  angel  attending,  to  crumble  this  clay, 
To  G-od  shall  be  sending  my  spirit  away. 

Then  upward  to  Jesus, 
And  glory,  and  light; 
My  soul  e'en  now  seizes, 
The  promises  bright. 
How  kind  His  selection,  my  soul  to  receive, 
Of  such  an  affection,  what  soul  could  conceive. 

With  sin-smitten  blindness, 

I  knew  of  no  friend  \ 
But  now  on  His  kindness, 
I  hope  to  ascend. 
And  mingle  my  praises  with  prophets  and  kings, 
Where  love  ever  blazes,  and  joy  ever  sings. 


HOPES    AXD    YEARMSG3    HEAVENWARD.  215 


HYMN. 
THE    PATHS    OF    RELIGION,    PEACEFUL. 

Religion's  paths,  they  rise  to  peace, 
How  pleasant  is  our  progress  there ; 

Joys,  every  moment  new  increase; 
New  music  wanders  o'er  the  air. 

We  look  where  ancient  pilgrims  trod, 
And  strive  their  footsteps  to  pursue; 

We  journey  to  the  self-same  God, 
Which  Moses  and  the  prophets  knew. 

We  walk  by  faith,  by  love  we  rise, 
To  clearer  air,  and  purer  light ; 

We  catch  the  chorus  of  the  skies, 
And  whisper  their  untold  delight. 

We  have  a  source  of  strength  within, 
How  great  the  comforts  He  has  given  ; 

We  run  (though  oft  oppressed  by  sin,) 
The  race  that's  finished  but  in  heaven. 


216  SACRED   LYRICS:    OR, 


HYMN. 

TRUST  IN    THE  LOBD. 

The  soul  that  trusteth  in  the  Lord 
How  happy  is  her  state ; 

And  her  enduring  rich  reward, 
How  glorious,  how  great. 

No  desolation  or  distress, 

Shall  move  her  from  her  stand ; 
God  ever  just  to  save,  to  bless, 

Supports  her  by  His  hand. 


Her  latest  years  shall  all  be  crowned, 

With  gratitude  and  praise, 
Her  Saviour's  blessings  shall  be  found, 

As  numerous  as  her  days. 

And  when  her  life  of  trial's  o'er, 

Begins  the  term  of  love, 
Forever,  and  forevermore, 

With  G-od  and  Christ  above. 


HOPES    AND    YEARNINGS    HEAVENWARD.  217 


HYMN. 
LINGERING  FEARS  PAINFUL  TO  THE  WEAK  IN  FAITH. 

How  long  shall  lingering  fears  conspire. 
To  crowd  my  hopes  from  heaven  and  Thee, 

Oh  should  these  wavering  hopes  expire, 
When  shall  my  trembling  nature  flee. 

Great  confidant  of  hearts  in  woe, 
I'd  humbly,  yet  with  ardor  pray; 

(Thou  dost  my  present  danger  know,) 
Thou  wouldst  my  present  danger  stay. 

Forbid  it,  since  thy  love's  so  wide, 
Despair  should  such  a  trophy  win  j 

And  from  a  Saviour's  pardoning  side, 
Precipitate  a  soul  in  sin. 

Move  from  my  heart  those  fears  and  foes, 
And  fashion  all  my  hopes  by  love ; 

Grant  me,  in  faith,  that  sweet  repose, 
Made  perfect  in  the  rest  above. 


19' 


218  sacred  lyrics;  or, 

HYMN. 

CHRIST  AN  INVITING  SAVIOUR. 

Come  to  my  arms  all  things  above, 
Creation's  glories  all  are  mine  ; 

Mine  is  the  source,  the  stream  of  love, 
By  me  they  rise,  revolve  or  shine. 

All  stars,  all  worlds  harmonious  roll, 

As  I  direct,  as  I  desire; 
Yet  dear  is  the  immortal  soul, 

Immortal  though  all  worlds  expire. 

Commit  that  precious  trust  to  me, 
And  thou  shalt  ne'er  repent  the  day; 

Never  through  all  eternity, 

Shall  fears  or  foes  oppress  or  slay. 

How  wise  to  trust  thy  G-od  and  live, 
Destruction  dwells  beyond  His  grace; 

E'en  Jesus  cannot  thee  forgive, 
If  thou  decide  to  scorn  His  face. 

Still  there  is  mercy  in  my  arms, 
I  now  invite  thee  there  to  dwell ; 

For  who  can  bear  the  dread  alarms, 
The  agonies  of  souls  in  hell. 

Come,  and  I  will  thy  guilt  forget, 
Come,  and  thy  hope  I  will  increase ; 

Come,  for  my  mercy  floweth  yet, 

Come,  here  is  pardon,  joy,  and  peace. 


HOPES  AND  YEARNINGS  HEAVENWARD.     219 


INSCRIPTION  FOR  A  TOMB-STONE. 

The  hand  that  bears  us  up, 
The  crown  of  glory  gives ; 

E'en  while  we  taste  the  bitter  cup, 
We  know  that  Jesus  lives. 


HYMN. 

THE  MEEKNESS  OF  THE  CHRISTIAN  CONVERT. 

Meekness  !  how  sweet  its  influence, 
O'er  wayward  sinners  given  j 

The  Spirit  doth  its  power  dispense, 
The  silent  power  of  heaven. 

Meekness  !  it  is  the  christian's  part, 
Without  presumption's  leaven ) 

It  operates  on  every  heart, 

And  proves  its  source  is  heaven. 

Jesus  was  meek,  and  so  are  they, 
Who  are  by  Christ  forgiven ; 

Xone  but  the  gentle  can  portray, 
The  Saviour's  course  to  heaven. 

Thou  vile  presumption  fly  this  breast, 
There  meekest  praise  be  given; 

And  joy  imperfectly  possessed, 
Advance  to  joy  in  heaven. 


220  SACRED   LYRICS  :    OR, 


HYMN. 


LOOKING  HEAVENWARD. 


Permit  my  wishful  soul  to  gaze, 
On  Jesus  in  His  glorious  state ; 

To  walk  no  more  delusion's  ways, 
But  strive  to  enter  zion's  gate. 

I'm  weary  of  this  world  and  sin, 

I  wish  for  purer  airs  above ; 
I'm  weary  of  this  gloom  and  din, 

Oh  for  serenity  and  love. 

Jesus  has  peace  and  joy  with  Him, 
They  cluster  at  His  gracious  hand ; 

There  are  no  dangerous  paths  or  dim, 
O'er  all  His  fair  and  heavenly  land. 

Jesus  !  before  my  hopes  are  gone, 
Be  Thou  my  hope,  my  joy,  my  rest; 

And  as  I  daily  journey  on, 

Make  me  in  Thy  sweet  presence  blest. 


HOPES  AND  YEARNINGS  HEAVENWARD.     221 

HYMN. 

THE   DEATH    OF   THE    RIGHTEOUS. 

How  sweet  to  sit  beside, 

The  christian's  dying  bed ; 
As  one  by  one  his  pains  subside, 

Till  every  pain  has  fled. 
To  see  the  dimmed,  the  glazing  eye, 
And  feel  'tis  glory  thus  to  die. 

Then  friendship  lifts  the  latch, 

And  gently  enters  in, 
Constrained  by  memory  to  catch, 

One  parting  look  within ; 
To  say  farewell  I  ah,  sound  how  vain, 
Compared  to  angels'  choral  strain. 

Then  father,  brother,  wife, 

Below  his  pillow  kneel ; 
Express  by  tears  the  active  strife, 

Their  quickened  spirits  feel : 
Yet  to  their  maker, — G-od,  resign, 
This  heritage  of  love  divine. 

The  christian  breathes  his  last, 

His  toil,  his  warfare  done  ; 
Oh,  who  may  tell  his  joy  how  vast, 

Beyond  the  stars  begun  ? 
None,  none  but  they  who  reach  may  know, 
Nor  e'en  convey  the  bliss  below. 


222 


SACRED    LYRICS  :    OR, 


But  even  death  has  left, 

Some  subject  to  entrance  : 
Through  yonder  high  and  azure  cleft, 

Heaven's  beautiful  expanse, 
I  see ;  and  angels  to  and  fro, 
"With  the  departed  christian  go. 

And  then  I  hear,  or  seem, 
Plunged  in  my  musings  deep, 

Their  voices  down  the  life-fraught  stream, 
In  pleasant  cadence  sweep. 

Oh,  may  I  join  that  blissful  choir? 

Dear  Jesus,  grant  my  warm  desire. 


HYMN. 

REMEMBER    ME. 


"  Kemember  me,"  the  malefactor  prayed, 
Between  the  groans  and  horrors  of  his  doom ; 

Then  was  his  hope  upon  his  Saviour  stayed, 
And  steadfast  love  within  his  breast  found 
room. 

Justly  .he  suffered  as  we  mortals  do, 

And  'mid  his  anguish,  deep  petitions  rose ; 

Sinner,  dost  thou  call  on  thy  Saviour  too, 
When  doubts  molest,  or  obstacles  oppose  ? 


HOPES  AND  YEARNINGS  HEAVENWARD.     223 

Remember  me  !     How  pitiful  the  prayer  ! 

The  contrite  heart  thus  always  piteous  prays  ; 
Nor  dreams  its  pleas  for  mercy  to  defer, 

To  happier  seasons,  and  to  peaceful  days. 

Now  in  the  agony  of  doubt  and  pain, 

He  calls  for  rescue  !  oh,  what  bitter  cries  ! 

Say,  fellow-sinner,  shall  he  call  in  vain, 
Shall  disappointment  mock  his  miseries  ? 

No  !  for  the  Saviour  all  his  prayers  has  heard, 
"This  day  in  Paradise  thou  too  shall  be;" 

Cherubic  millions  catch  the  rapturous  word, 
And  shout  the  news, — a  soul  from  death  set 
free. 

This  day  in  Paradise  !     The  labor's  done, 

Love's  earliest  fruit  beside  the  cross  is  born; 

The  precious  Saviour,  God's  all  glorious  son, 
Death's  sombre  garlands  hath  forever  shorn. 

"Remember  me  !"  This  sweet  petition  use, 
Oh,  fellow  pilgrim,  ere  thy  day  is  past ; 

Pomp,  glory,  pleasure,  let  not  these  confuse, 
Thy  virtue  sully,  or  thy  prospects  blast. 

And  when  the  Father  calls  thy  spirit  up, 

Be  these   thy  pleadings, — "Lord,  remember 
me," 

While  Christ  to  sweeten  thy  afflictive  cup, 
Says, — "Thou  this  day  in  Paradise  shalt  be." 


224  SACRED  lyrics:   OR, 


HYMN. 

THE    LABORS    OF   LOVE. 

Love  daily  sows  some  fruitful  seed, 
Along  the  heart's  luxuriant  field, 

To  recompense  its  future  need. 

By  golden  crop,  and  graceful  yield. 

The  dear  deposite  Jesus  sees, 

And  shelters  it  from  scattering  winds ; 
Sends  gentle  rain,  and  sun,  and  breeze, 

Which  slowly  the  firm  earth  unbinds. 

And  then  the  germ  in  hopeful  grace, 
Starts  in  green  beauty  from  the  ground ; 

Repaying  its  congenial  place, 

With  verdure  to  the  earth  around. 

Love's  harvest !  oh,  what  sweetness  fills, 
The  field  where  its  luxuriance  waves ; 

'Tis  watered  by  hope's  happy  rills, 
And  faith  its  golden  glory  laves. 

When  life  is  closing  on  the  scene, 
Of  barren  pomp,  and  vapid  show, 

Its  lovely  blade,  its  stock  of  green, 

Survive  death's  chilling,  crumbling  blow. 


HOPES  AND  YEARNINGS  HEAVENWARD.     225 


HYMN. 

DESIRE   TO    SEE   JESUS. 

As  servants  earnestly  desire, 
To  see  the  light  of  day  expire ; 
Their  lengthened  shadows  long  to  see, 
So  I  desire  and  long  for  Thee. 

My  days  are  dark,  the  hours  are  sad, 
Once  they  were  with  sweet  comfort  clad, 
And  I,  as  'neath  a  curtain  bright, 
Dwelt  in  an  atmosphere  of  light. 

Oh,  why  this  falling  from  the  joy, 
Which  gladdened  once,  my  just  employ  ? 
Oh,  why  this  darkness  and  decline, 
If  Christ  eternally  is  mine  ? 

There  is  no  reason  but  my  sin, 
That  darkness  dwells  without,  within, 
To  canopy  with  gloom,  my  head, 
And  through  my  heart  its  terrors  shed. 

Now  let  me  love  my  Saviour  more, 
Now  let  me  His  free  grace  adore ; 
Jesus,  I  now  appeal  to  Thee, 
Impart  Thy  love,  dear  Lord,  to  me. 
20 


226  SACRED    LYRICS  !    OR, 


HYMN. 

PARDON    PURCHASED   BY   JESUS. 

Freely  our  pardon  Christ  procured, 
By  death  He  bore  our  shame  : 

What  anguish  His  dear  frame  endured, 
What  vile  contempt  His  name. 

E'en  as  He  languished,  yearned  His  love, 
He  spoke  compassion's  tongue, 

Pointed  the  penitent  above, 
While  man  his  sufferings  sung. 

To  such  humanity  our  race 

Their  constant  service  owe  j 
Yet,  for  the  blessings  of  His  grace, 

What  barren  fruits  we  show. 

We  feast  on  follies  as  we  fly, 

To  unalarming  death ; 
How  sudden  is  the  call  to  die, 

And  thus  return  our  breath. 

May  we  reflect,  and  cheerful  take, 

Salvation  to  our  heart ; 
Lest  He  who  such  compassion  spake, 

May  bid  our  souls,  depart. 


HOPES    AND    YEARNINGS    HEAVENWARD. 


EPITAPH. 

'Twere  wise  to  follow,  (when  we  undertake 

An  unknown  journey)  some  experienced  guide, 
Amply  familiar  with  each  turn  and  break, 

Each  rock,  each  rivulet,  each  cavern's  side, 
That  where  he  walks  we  may  unasking  tread, 
Though  hoary  cliffs  frown  on  us  overhead, 
Or  boiling  torrents  through  the  valley  sweep, 
Our  road  though  devious,  unreluctant  keep, 
Till  we  emerge,  expatiate,  and  survey, 
The  crowning  beauty  of  our  narrow  way. 

Thus  did  he,  prudent,  find  in  Christ  his  guide, 
And  to  His  holy  love  his  soul  confide. 


228  SACRED   LYRICS  ;    OR, 


HYMN. 

A    NEW    SONG   TO    THE   LORD. 

Oh !  sing  a  new  song  to  the  Lord, 

And  wide  His  salvation  display ; 
'Mid  the  heathen  His  glory  oh  haste  to  record, 

And  spread  His  delectable  sway. 

Jehovah  is  great,  and  His  power 
Comprises  the  heavens ;  His  hand 

Can  roll  the  mild  planet  or  fearlessly  shower, 
A  pestilence  over  the  land. 

His  beauty,  His  strength  cannot  fade ; 

The  Lord  is  forever  the  same, 
Though  worlds  should  depart,  blighted,  sunken, 
decayed, 

Or  fall  'neath  the  besom  of  flame. 

Oh  come  with  a  spirit  of  love, 

And  worship  Jehovah  who  reigns; 
Let  piety  tuned  to  the  voice  of  the  dove, 
Pour  forth  her  enrapturing  strains. 

The  trees  of  the  wood  all  rejoice, 

And  echo  His  glory  on  high; 
Let  earth  and  her  children  adopt  a  new  voice, 

And  shout,  for  the  Lord  draweth  nigh. 


HOPES  AND  YEARNINGS  HEAVENWARD.     229 


HYMN. 

THE    PRESENCE    OF    JESUS    A   CONSPICUOUS     PRIVILEGE. 

Conspicuous  in  my  list  of  joys, 
My  Saviour's  presence  shines ; 

His  calmness  all  my  doubts  destroys, 
The  coil  of  care  untwines. 

True,  there  are  some  whose  love  I  prize, 

"Whose  credence  I  esteem  \ 
But  none  so  much  delight  mine  eyes, 

Or  prove  a  lovelier  theme. 

I  know  that  on  His  heart  of  love, 

My  hopes  for  glory  rest ; 
My  soul  keeps  looking  home  above, 

And  thus  is  sweetly  blest. 

Lord  !  if  I  should  neglect  the  road, 
Which  grace  appoints  on  high  j 

Be  Thou  my  present  Helper, — God, 
And  Thou  my  soul's  supply. 


20* 


230  sacred  lyrics;  or, 


EPITAPH. 

In  quiet  walks  of  study  did  he  muse, 
Prompted  the  page  of  science  to  peruse, 
Impartial  scan  with  nature's  laws  compare, 
Broadly  exhibited  in  field  or  air ; 
So  that  the  vulgar,  bold  in  their  pursuit, 
Seldom  essayed  his  knowledge  to  refute, 
Pitied  his  meekness,  termed  it  indolence. 
(For  vicious  feeling  asks  a  slight  pretence.) 
Be  this  his  epitaph,  to  feeling  true, — 
"  Few  sought  his  home,  yet  there  his  God  he 
knew/' 


HOPES  AND  YEARNINGS  HEAVENWARD.     231 


HYMN  OF  THE  PILGRIMS. 

Thus  far  have  we  journeyed,  through  forests,  o'er 
plain, 

By  the  sweet,  laughing  brook,  by  the  thunder- 
voiced  main, 

By  the  passionate  river,  all  eddies  and  foam ; 

"We  are  journeying  still,  'till  we  settle  at  home. 

Thus  far  have  we  journeyed, — at  night  on  the 

lake, 
The  shrill   border  songsters  the  silence  would 

break ; 
"While  the  waves,  gleaming  silver,  sped  leeward, 

the  moon, 
Seemed  moving  in    concert  with  forest  bird's 

tune. 

All  along  the  bold  shore,  which  we  hugged  on 

our  way, 
The  wolf  and  the  panther  glared  wildly  at  bay; 
And  their  phantom-like  shadows  seen  through  the 

thin  trees, 
Seemed  equal  formation  of  landscape  and  breeze. 


232  SACRED   LYRICS  ;    OR, 

By  the  blazing  light  brushwood  we  happily  slept, 
"While  a  friend  or  a  kinsman  the  cautious  watch 

kept; 
Thus,  Lord,  do  we  rest  on  Thy  bosom  of  love, 
While  Jesus,  the  Saviour,  keeps    watch   from 

above. 


Thus  far  have  we  journeyed,  swam,  forded,  and 

strayed, 
Up  mountains,  down  valleys,  o'er  fresh  smiling 

glades  \ 
In  the  ravine  have  plunged,  in  the  thicket  have 

stood, 
While  the  pioneer's  axe  cut  a  pass  through  the 

wood. 


Each  season  of  slumber,  each  night  that  we  rest, 
Kind  angels  assemble  from  towns  of  the  blest ; 
There's  a  silence  around  us  which   seldom  is 

riven, 
Except  by  the  half  indulged  voices  of  heaven. 


By  the  crackling  camp-fire  we  hear  or  we  seem, 
To  catch  the  faint  sound  of  some  youth-beloved 

stream ; 
On  whose  flower-gemmed  shores,  on  whose  bosom 

so  bright, 
The  world  like  the  water  seemed  kindred  of  light. 


HOPES  AND  YEARNINGS  HEAVENWARD.     233 

"We  have  paused  here  to  slumber;  oh  hang  o'er 

camp, 
Thou,  Guardian  of  angels,  thy  love-lighted  lamp; 
Be  Thou  here  to  preside,  to  surround,  to  defend, 
'Till  the  dangers  of  darkness  in  daylight  shall 

end. 

We  all  shall  be  gathered  to  sleep  in  the  tomb ; 
Oh  !  Father  eternal,  make  happy  our  doom, 
That  from  life's  midnight  watches  we  all  may 

arise, 
Through  the  passage  prepared  to  our  home  in 

skies. 


234  SACRED    LYRICS  ;    OR, 

HYMN. 

NO  REST  IN  UNREGENERACY. 

I  found  no  peace  while  e'er  I  trod, 
The  paths  of  unrepented  sin; 

The  anger  of  a  holy  God, 

Seemed  frowning  on  my  soul  within. 

I  tried  in  worldly  joys  to  drown, 
The  sad  remembrance  but  in  vain ; 

Still  o'er  my  soul  there  hung  that  frown, 
As  if  'twould  ne'er  depart  again. 

Loud  in  my  agony  I  cried ; 

The  Saviour  heard,  He  kindly  came, 
And  said, — since  I  for  sinners,  died, 

"  Believe  on  my  redeeming  name." 

Who  could  refuse  a  like  request, 
Such  easy  terms  of  pardon  scorn, 

My  soul  flew  to  His  arm  for  rest, 
My  soul  long  stricken,  weak,  forlorn. 

In  His  salvation  I  behold 

Some  daily  beauty  and  delight ; 

A  thread  continuous  of  gold, 

To  make  the  sinner's  garment  bright. 

Who  but  Jehovah  could  extend, 

Pardon  equivalent  to  sin  j 
Who  but  the  Son  of  God  could  send, 

Such  mercy,  love,  and  peace  within. 


HOPES    AND    YEARNINGS    HEAVENWARD.  235 


HYMN. 
CALL  FOR  THE  SAVIOUR. 

Come  Saviour  and  explore  my  heart, 

Its  mysteries  explain, 
See  if  there  be  an  evil  part, 

To  make  Thy  precepts  vain. 

Let  conscience  aid  Thy  work  of  love, 

And  wisely  faithful  be  ; 
Oh  for  some  agency  to  prove, 

My  love  entire  to  Thee. 

Unlimited  affections,  Lord, 

I  would  with  joy  bestow ; 
Such  knowledge  and  such  light  afford, 

That  I  their  gift  may  know. 

Break  down  each  barrier  to  Thy  feet. 

Dear  Jesus  enter  in  ; 
My  soul  stands  ready  here  to  greet, 

The  conqueror  of  sin. 


236  SACRED    LYRICS  :    OR, 


HYMN. 
god's  grace  vivifying. 

Thou  who  dost  gird  the  rugged  hills, 
And  bid  them  in  bold  grandeur  stand ; 

From  their  worn  sides  command  the  rills, 
To  vivify  the  thirsty  land. 

Thou  who  hast  built  the  mountains  up, 

And  covered  their  rough  brow  with  green  ; 

Scoped  out  the  valleys  as  a  cup, 
And  reared  high  barriers  between. 

Thou,  great  Jehovah,  canst  ordain, 
The  waters  of  Thy  grace  to  flow ; 

O'er  the  hard  heart's  unfruitful  plain, 
Where  thorns  and  weeds  of  mischief  grow. 

There  shall  some  plants  of  beauty  rise, 
Deep  penitence  that  soul  shall  move ; 

Then  shall  it  be  to  glory  wise, 
Its  chief,  its  only  joy  above. 

Thou  hast  the  treasures  of  the  deep, 
"Within  the  compass  of  thy  will ; 

Deign  my  poor  soul  in  love  to  steep, 
Its  depths  with  holy  rapture  fill. 


HOPES  AND  YEARNINGS  HEAVENWARD.     237 


HYMN. 

DEATH. 

How  dreadful  is  the  subject,  death, 

To  souls  estranged  to  heaven ; 
Feeble  and  fleeting  is  their  breath, 
As  breezes  lulled  at  even. 

Wrath  in  the  person  of  a  king, 

The  sword  of  fury  rears ; 
Conscience  applies  her  piercing  sting, 

And  reprovokes  their  fears. 

Is  there  a  covert  calm  and  deep 

Where  they  can  swiftly  fly ; 
And  in  a  long  unchanging  sleep, 

Rest  each  affrighted  eye.. 

No,  sinner,  no,  e'en  hell  maintains, 

God's  dignity  and  love, 
As  fully  as  angelic  strains, 

In  pleasant  airs  above. 

There's  no  escape  when  once  their  doom, 

Is  by  Jehovah  sealed; 
The  terrors  of  eternal  gloom, 

Are  by  his  hand  revealed. 
21 


238  SACRED    LYRICS  !    OR, 


HYMN 

HOPE    SUSTAINED    BY   EVIDENCE. 

How  can  I  doubt  those  records  bright, 
Which  shine  along  Thy  written  word ; 

Thou  wilt  bring  those  rich  truths  to  sight, 
True,  Thou  art  able,  glorious  Lord. 

Thy  power  will  second  and  perform, 
The  blessings  which  Thy  love  designed  ; 

The  strength  of  Thy  important  arm, 
Shews  the  rich  mercy  of  Thy  mind. 

Faith  loves  to  reconcile  her  state, 
With  the  possession  of  Thy  grace ; 

Happy  on  Thy  dear  will  to  wait, 
And  waiting,  Thy  sweet  word  embrace. 

She  knows,  ah,  here  is  pleasure  deep, — 
Her  vast  commission  rests  in  Thee, 

Thou  wilt  her  untold  glory  keep, 
Through  an  enjoyed  eternity. 


HOPES    AND    YEARNINGS    HEAVENWARD.  239 


HYMN. 


THE   JUDGMENT    DAY. 


When  all  the  faithful  purged  of  fear 
The  resurrection  dawn  shall  see, 

How  lovely  will  their  robes  appear, 
How  beautiful  their  Saviour  be. 

From  angels  and  the  holy  throng, 
Of  prophets  and  apostles  old, 

Shall  swell  a  sweet  immortal  song, 
Attuned  to  instruments  of  gold. 

The  elders  clothed  in  raiment  white, 
The  judgment  shall  with  joy  survey; 

The  records  of  the  Book  recite, 
Reserved  to  this  momentous  day ; 

The  Lamb  once  slain  shall  loose  the  seal, 
None  other  adequate  be  found ; 

Its  mighty  mysteries  reveal, 

'MM  pomp  august,  tremendous  sound ; 

Angels  announce  that  time  is  o'er, 

Eternity  its  reign  begins ; 
The  saints  their  Saviour  may  adore, 

Exempt  from  dangers,  woes,  and  sins. 


240  sacred  lyrics:  or, 


HYMN. 

FAITH   POWERFUL   AT   DEATH. 

The  solemn  sentence,  soul,  attend, 
Shortly  thy  passing  hour  shall  end. 
And  worldly  passion  and  desire, 
Deep  in  the  voiceless  grave  expire. 

The  small  and  great  must  slumber  there, 
Though  rags  or  royal  robes  they  wear ; 
The  sinner  in  his  costly  dress, 
The  saint  in  simple  holiness. 

Therefore  in  Jesus  lodge  thy  trust, 
So  that  when  death  demands  thy  dust, 
Thy  faith  shall  from  the  ruin  rise, 
And  grasp  His  glory  in  the  skies. 


HOPES   AND    YEARNINGS    HEAVENWARD.  241 


HYMN. 

THE    DOOM    OF    THE    HYPOCRITE. 

The  hypocrite,  how  vain  his  hope, 
To  perish  when  his  flesh  shall  fail, 

Can  mortal  with  almighty  cope, 
Finite  o'er  infinite  prevail  ? 

Though  vivid  beauties  lure  his  eye, 
And  pleasing  prospects  cheer  his  heart 

He  hears  the  dread  command  to  die, — 
From  all  congenial  joys  depart. 

May  he  repent  and  seek  His  face  ? 

Is  death  fit  season  for  return  ? 
Will  Jesus  there  extend  His  grace, 

In  pity  for  the  soul's  concern. 

Ah,  no ;  the  hypocrite  aspires, 

To  honours  by  the  saints  unknown, 

To  perish  in  the  quenchless  fires, 
Which  Satan  kindles  for  his  own. 


242  SACRED   LYRICS  ;    OR, 


HYMN. 

THE   WAT   OF   THE    SAINT   WEARISOME. 

By  toil  and  travel,  sobs  and  sighs, 
Thy  saints  unto  Thy  glory  rise ; 
How  sweet  the  change  from  pain  to  rest, 
From  poverty  to  Jesus'  breast. 

And  shall  all  saints  such  pleasure  find  ? 
To  all  Christ  equally  is  kind, 
Nor  can  His  love  one  look  restrain, 
Relief  for  penalty  and  pain. 

They  are  all  buried  in  His  love, 

To  rise  in  raiment  pure  above ; 

The  sounding  trump  their  souls  attend, 

And,  radiant,  to  their  hope  ascend. 

The  dim  futurity  no  more, 
Distresses  o'er  their  hearts  shall  pour; 
With  souls  made  perfect,  they  possess, 
The  glory  of  His  righteousness. 


HOPES  AND  YEARNINGS  HEAVENWARD.     243 


HYMN. 

WRITTEN   FOR   A    SABBATH    SCHOOL   ANNIVERSARY. 

Dear  Jesus,  we  linger  to  sing  to  thy  praise 
And  strive,  with  our  voices,  Thy  glory  to  raise ; 
"We  share  Thy  kind  counsels,  Thy  presence  so 

sweet, 
And  sigh  for  fresh  seasons  our  Saviour  to  meet. 

Until  we  assemble  again,  may  Thy  peace, 
Vouchsafed   to  Thy  children,  our  blessings  in- 
crease, 
In  pleasant  communion  instruction  afford, 
And  teach  us  acceptance  of  Jesus  the  Lord. 


DOXOLOGY 


And  when  we  have  served  Thy  sweet  purpose 

below, 
(Thine  shall  be  the  glory,)  to  joy  will  we  go; 
And  feast  on  the  pleasures  foretokened  above 
The  presence  of  Jesus,  the  length  of  His  love. 


244 


SACRED   LYRICS  |    OR, 


HYMN. 

HOPES  AND  YEARNINGS  HEAVENWARD. 

Now  let  me  muse  and  meditate, 
On  promised  beauties  and  delight 

Far  in  the  distant,  heavenly  state, 
Where  hope  is  realized  in  sight. 

I  picture  to  my  eager  mind, 

Valleys  and  intermingling  rills  j 

Bright  paths  that  through  the  valleys  wind, 
'Till  they  encircle  steadfast  hills. 

And  lakes  reflecting  flower  and  tree, 
That  bloom  along  their  fertile  rim ; 

Vistas  of  charming  scenery, 
Lustrous,  or  roseate,  or  dim. 

High  walls  of  jasper,  gates  of  pearl, 
Corridor  golden,  sapphire  dome, 

Clouds  of  delicious  perfume  curl, 
From  vocal  walk  and  peaceful  roam. 

Bands  of  enraptured  beings  led, 

In  lovely  intercourse  along ; 
With  boughs  of  heavenly  fruitage  fed, 

And  chorusing  some  heavenly  song. 


HOPES  AND  YEARNINGS  HEAVENWARD.     245 

Honey  from  clefts  slow  trickling  down, — 
The  deep  recess,  the  shaded  pool, 

Bordered  with  crimson  leaves  and  brown, 
Vineyards  and  olives  ripe  and  full. 

And  then, — but  here  my  mind  must  fail, 
Thy  glory,  God,  is  far  too  high, 

For  earthly  nature  to  detail ; 
This  I  surrender  'till  I  die. 


THE   END. 


